Contempt of court proceedings: High Court criticises government again in cashew nut scam case

KOCHI: The High Court has criticised the government's demand to end the contempt of court proceedings in the case of denial of permission to prosecute the accused in the cashew import scam related to Cashew Corporation. Justice A Badaruddin asked how the government, which did not oppose the previous orders, can get out of this.

"Several opportunities for review were given, but wasn't the government abusing it?" The court criticized. The case was adjourned to December 8 as the additional affidavit filed by the Principal Secretary of the Industries Department, seeking to end the contempt proceedings, was delayed in reaching the bench. Director General of Prosecutions TA Shaji explained that the government's decision was after thorough thought. However, the court said that this position needs to be examined in detail.

The court had earlier directed the government to positively consider the CBI's application for permission to prosecute former chairman and INTUC leader R Chandrasekharan and former MD K.A. Ratheesh, who are accused in the case. However, after the application was rejected three times, the court also criticised whether the Left government was supporting the corrupt.

The sub-petition was filed by Kadakampally Manoj, a native of Kollam. The additional affidavit of the Industries Department states that those who object to the rejection of the application should file a new petition.