THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Lokayukta has said that there is no mention of recommendation in the letter given by Minister R Bindu to the Chancellor regarding the appointment of Kannur University VC. Lokayukta Justice Cyriac Joseph said this during the hearing of the petition filed by Ramesh Chennithala against the Minister.

There is no usage of word 'recommend' anywhere in the letter. It was suggested instead. The Governor therefore has the power to accept or reject it, and the court asked during the hearing thatbas the Governor was the appointing authority, why didn't he reject the Minister's suggestion.

However, George Poonthottam, Chennithala's lawyer, argued that the complaint was that the minister had misused her power and was biased. But counsel appearing for the minister said the political affiliation of the petitioner must be reviewed. The government presented evidence during the hearing which stated that the minister had given the letter when governor asked if the government had any suggestions.

The Lokayukta said that the petitioner had not submitted any evidence that the Minister had received any compensation from the Vice-Chancellor. The Lokayukta considered the allegation that KK Ragesh's wife was appointed as an associate professor of Malayalam ss baseless and asked whether it was a crime to be the wife of a politician. The Lokayukta said the minister had made the suggestion as per AG's advice.

A decision will be taken on Friday on whether an inquiry is needed into the alleged role of the minister in VC's appointment. The order will be issued on the same day based on Chennithala's petition. Earlier, Deputy Lokayukta Justice Haroon al-Rashid asked whether the Lokayukta Amendment Ordinance would come into force.