KOCHI: The High Court on Thursday asked to whom and how was the government-owned land handed over in order to build houses under the Life Mission project. Stating that there was a mystery in this, the single bench asked whether the government land could be transferred in the name of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UAE Consulate and the Life Mission.
The court also commented that the validity of the MoU should be examined. The court was considering the CBI's petition seeking to lift the stay on the probe into the Life Mission project.
The single bench questioned the government's contention that the building was being constructed by a contract company called Unitac on the basis of the MoU between the UAE Consulate and the Life Mission.
The government informed the court that it has given away 2.17 acres of land to build the house and no one has complained about the transfer of land. Neither the government nor the Life Mission has received foreign aid. As such, the case under the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA) will not stand. KV Viswanathan, a senior advocate appearing for the government, argued that the money was received by Unitac. However, the court asked whether the amount was canvassed by the Chief Minister. The government explained that it was done with good intention and pointed out that even the Prime Minister had similarly requested financial assistance from abroad.
Life Mission CEO UV Jose cannot be found guilty. It is not right to trap IAS officers in criminal cases. Tying their hands will affect the development activities of the government. As soon as the CBI probe received a stay order, the ED rushed with the probe. Central agencies are crossing the limits, the government said.
High Court's questions
CBI's argument
Life Mission CEO is not yet a defendant. As such, a petition cannot be filed seeking the cancellation of the case. The MoU is an underworld deal.