KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has rejected the second affidavit submitted by Additional Chief Secretary K.R. Jyothilal in connection with the massive flex board erected on a city sidewalk by the Secretariat Employees' Association. The affidavit, which stated that there was no prima facie evidence to take disciplinary action against top officials of the organization and that the board was installed by an advertising agency, was dismissed by Justice Devan Ramachandran.

Criticizing the government's attempt to shield those responsible and turn a blind eye to the violation, the court granted it one final opportunity to submit a revised affidavit. The first affidavit was previously rejected for its silence on disciplinary action. The court observed that the second affidavit was prepared carelessly, without even reviewing the police report.

According to the police report, the President of the Employees' Association ordered the installation of the flex board, while the Secretary made the payment. Cases have been registered against both individuals. However, the affidavit claimed that the leaders of the organization were not directly involved in the incident. The court warned that protecting wrongdoers in one instance could encourage legal violations elsewhere.

"Is the Additional Chief Secretary loyal to the city of Thiruvananthapuram or to someone else?" the court asked. The court will consider the matter again next week.

Displaying heroism by challenging law
The High Court stressed that a strong democracy thrives on respect for the law. However, it pointed out that politicians today display heroism by challenging the law and the judiciary. The court remarked that while discussions about industrial investments are abundant, only progressive societies attract investments. The judiciary, it affirmed, would make every effort to position Kerala at the forefront of development.