THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Lokayukta has reserved its verdict on a petition filed by RS Sasikumar, a former syndicate member of the Kerala University, alleging corruption and nepotism in the utilization of the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund.

The government reiterated that the Lokayukta has no power to question the Cabinet decision. "Assistance was provided to those who deserved it. The only criterion was humanitarian considerations", government attorney TA Shaji told the Lokayukta.

Counsel for the plaintiff, George Poonthottam, contended that the relief fund was given to people without any criteria and that this was favoritism and corruption and that the amount should be recovered from the ministers under section 12 (3) of the Lokayukta rule. The petitioner could not produce an order establishing that the Lokayukta has the power to question the decision of the Cabinet.

Lokayukta justice Cyriac Joseph observed that all governments are allocating money from the relief fund as they like. He also said that generosity should not be shown by taking the public funds. Upalokayukta justice Haroon-al-Rashid asked why the three recipients of financial assistance from the Disaster Relief Fund were not made opposition parties.

It is alleged that the family of former NCP leader Uzhavoor Vijayan was paid Rs 25 lakh, the family of former Chengannur MLA K Ramachandran Nair was given money to settle personal debts and the family of the late Praveen, the former gunman of CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, were given Rs 20 lakh. The petition seeks directions to the governor to disqualify the Chief Minister and the 17 Ministers of the previous Cabinet.