Lokayukta verdict a relief for government 

The Lokayukta's verdict comes after five years in the case of alleged misappropriation of relief funds. The Lokayukta dismissed the case stating that the money was allocated from the relief fund as per the decision of the cabinet and it had no authority to interfere in it. The ruling is a relief to the Chief Minister. If the verdict was otherwise, it could have affected even the position of Chief Minister. The first question that arises is whether five years were necessary to decide on this case, which has led to many arguments and controversies. The Supreme Court had recently spoken out against the dragging of cases involving political party members for years.

As per the decision of the Cabinet meeting, the government had sanctioned Rs 25 lakh to the family of NCP leader Uzhavoor Vijayan, Rs 8.5 lakh to the family of former Chengannur MLA KK Ramachandran Nair to settle their dues and Rs 20 lakh to the family of Kodiyeri's Gunman who died in an accident. The judgment has now come in the petition filed in 2018 by RS Sasikumar, a former university employee, against the Chief Minister and 18 ministers in the first Pinarayi cabinet, alleging corruption and nepotism in the process of sanctioning this amount.

Firstly, the decision was taken by the Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister. Second, there is nothing left here to point out as corruption. The Cabinet has wide powers to make such decisions. However, it was Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan becoming a key party in the case that made the case so newsworthy. The petitioner responded that the judges were influenced and would appeal to the High Court. He is free to do so. At the same time, if the verdict was against the Chief Minister, there could have been criticism that the verdict was against the Chief Minister despite the influence of the Chief Minister.

The best way to respond to a judgment is to accept it. Any judgment is bound to displease a group of people, and it is not good practice to interpret the judgment as wrong because of it. Justice Cyriac Joseph has pointed out in the order that the procedure was not followed and there was a flaw in the utilization of the relief fund. Therefore, this judgment should serve as a guide for governments in future decisions on such matters. Meanwhile, the government's attempt to disarm the Lokayukta through the amendment motion and the governor's adjournment without signing the bill is still an ongoing controversy.

Sources related to the Raj Bhavan hinted that a situation where the accused himself becoming the judge will happen if the bill is signed. With the Lokayukta dismissing the case against the Chief Minister, that issue has been resolved. Hence, the governor can now sign the bill.

It is the duty of the government to help those who need help in the society. People should not have any doubt that there is a special interest behind it. Similarly, procedures should be followed for government funds to be utilized.