Misuse of CMDRF: Kerala HC Dismisses Plea Against Lok Ayukta’s Referral of Case to Full Bench

The Kerala High Court dismissed the plea against the Lok Ayukta’s order referring the case involving CM Pinarayi Vijayan and former Ministers for alleged misuse of Chief Minister Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) to a Full Bench comprising the Lok Ayukta and both Upa-Lok Ayuktas.

The Division Bench, consisting of Chief Justice A.J. Desai and Justice V.G. Arun, stated that in cases of a difference of opinion among the Lok Ayuktha and Upa Lok Ayuktas, the matter should be referred to three members, and the decision of the majority would prevail.

The complaint by petitioner R.S. Sasikumar alleged corruption, favoritism, and nepotism in the State Government’s decisions to provide financial assistance to certain individuals from the CMDRF.

After the issue of maintainability was decided in favor of the complainant, the members of the Lok Ayukta and Upa Lok Ayukta had demitted their office, leading to a delay in the case. However, appointments were made to fill up the vacancies, and after an elaborate hearing, the case had been reserved for orders on March 18, 2022.

Due to the delay in passing the order, the petitioner approached the High Court, expressing loss of faith in the Lok Ayukta’s machinery. Subsequently, on March 31, 2023, the Lok Ayuktha delivered its order referring the matter to be considered by a Full Bench.

It is against the same that the petitioner moved the Court again, seeking a stay on the said order.