Message imparted by judgement in SSLC question paper scam case

Thiruvananthapuram CBI Special Court Judge K Sanilkumar's judgment, which awarded imprisonment and fine to the three surviving accused in the high-profile 2005 SSLC question paper printing contract scam brought to light by Kerala Kaumudi, is an inspiration to those fighting for justice and a strong warning to the corrupt.

The question paper leak of SSLC, the biggest public exam in Kerala in which more than five lakh children appear, has shattered the confidence of not only the children but also the parents. It was the machinations of a handful of officials who attempted to make money through the printing contract to leak the exam question papers prepared for the students from the printing press to their close relatives. Those who leaked the question papers were punished earlier. Those who swindled money by manipulating printing contracts are also now behind the bars. The CBI investigation found that the contractors and officials caused a loss of Rs 1.33 crore to the government. The court held that the accused have committed the crime of fraud, criminal conspiracy, bribery and misuse of official position to make profit for a private person. The court made it unequivocally clear that corruption is a cancer affecting society and corrupt officials should not expect any mercy from the law. This remark was in rejection of the argument that the punishment should be relaxed on the basis of age.

When we got important information, including a leaked original question paper, we did not make it a sensational news and only mentioned the information and handed over a copy of it to the Commissioner of Examinations and the DGP. Such an approach was taken with full sense of responsibility for the future of the students. It is memorable that Mathrubhumi wrote an editorial appreciating that decision. On this occasion, we fondly recall that President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam praised the exemplary stand taken by the daily while awarding our correspondent VS Rajesh who reported the question paper leak. We like to see the fact that all those who pulled the strings behind this incident were brought to justice merely as a responsiblity to the society. Now our role mentioned in the judgment is motivation to intervene strongly in social issues and urge us to continue our fight against corruption and wrong trends.

Initially, the local police and crime branch tried to close the case, but we continued to fight with constant reports and series of investigations. When the case was taken over by the CBI, those findings and conclusions proved correct. We take this opportunity to appreciate everyone from CBI officer late PK Einstein who nabbed the accused through a commendable investigation to CBI Prosecutor Arun K Antony who appeared for the prosecution. This judgment loudly proclaims that the court is not only a haven for justice seekers but also a nightmare for corrupt and malpractice. Judge K Sanilkumar's judgment gives hope to those who walk the path of truth and upholds the high values ​​of the judiciary.