A peak into 2019 verdict on CMDRF confirms Lokayukta's U-turn

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The money embezzlement case under Lokayukta is getting traction among the public for all the odd reasons. Yesterday, the bench reprimanded and spurted out comments against the petitioner for appearing before a TV panel discussion to defame the judges. However now, the old verdict from 2019 by Justice Pius C. Kuriakose led bench for the same case is the talking matter. Upa-Lokayukta justice K P Balacahndran then made a verdict not favoring the chief minister. Reminiscing the old judgment happens at a time when the petitioner himself claimed losing hope in Lokayukata and commented about the fall in standards after the judges attended the CM-organised Iftar feast.

Justice Pius C. Kuriakose's judgment

All norms were breached to allow more funds to the CMDRF. Even if it comes under the purview of CM, amounts above Rs 3 lakhs shouldn't have been approved. There is no cabinet file or salary certificate to account for the additional amount received. A unilateral decision was made here and an investigation into it is imminent.

Justice K P Balacahndran's judgment

Government and government officials fall under the limits of Lokayukta. A unilateral decision followed by a breach has been committed in this case. Cabinet decision can't overrule an investigation. Lokayukta can probe into any matters of the government.