Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday severely pulled up industries department secretary A P M Mohammed Hanish for failing to appear before it in compliance with its earlier directive in a contempt case linked to the Cashew Development Corporation graft case.
Court Warning
The bench of Justice A Badharudeen warned Hanish that it would be compelled to issue an arrest warrant and have him detained to secure his personal appearance. “Don’t play tactics before the court. Otherwise, the matter will be viewed seriously,” the High Court orally observed.
Government Pleader's Submission
Meanwhile, the special government pleader appearing for Hanish submitted that his absence was due to his engagement with the presentation of the state budget on Friday. She further sought one more opportunity for Hanish to appear in person before the court.
Last Opportunity Granted
Taking note of the submission, the High Court directed Hanish to appear before it on June 22, making it clear that this would be the last opportunity.
Impleadment and New Deadline
Additionally, the High Court allowed the impleadment of forest and cashew department secretary Biju K, who is now the sanctioning authority for prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act in matters relating to the Cashew Corporation. The High Court further clarified that no additional time could be granted for issuing prosecution sanction to the CBI in the graft case involving the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC). Accordingly, the High Court directed Biju K to comply with the earlier order and issue the prosecution sanction by July 9. If he fails to comply with the directive, contempt proceedings would also be initiated against him.
Background of the Case
The contempt case arose after Hanish repeatedly refused to grant prosecution sanction to the CBI despite High Court directions in a graft case alleging large-scale corruption in the import and purchase of cashews by KSCDC. Following its investigation, the CBI named former KSCDC chairman and INTUC state president R Chandrasekharan, former managing director K A Ratheesh, and two others as accused. Before filing its final report, the agency repeatedly sought prosecution sanction from the state industries department, but its requests were rejected, leading to the present contempt petition.
