The Kerala High Court has taken action against Cashew Development Department Secretary K. Biju for issuing a government order in the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation corruption case that was deemed contemptuous of the court. The court has directed Biju to appear in person on Friday following a contempt petition filed over delays in granting prosecution sanction to former KSCDC officials. Despite granting CBI sanction to prosecute key figures, the court found the initial government order objectionable for its tone towards the judiciary.
A revised order was issued after the Advocate General advised withdrawing the original order due to contemptuous remarks. The High Court criticized the earlier order for undermining judicial independence and initiated contempt and disciplinary proceedings. Justice Badharudeen raised concerns during the hearing, questioning if the order aimed to protect the accused rather than pursue justice. The court expressed worry that the order, beneficial to the accused, had reached them for political defense.
The court distanced the controversy from the political executive, solely attributing blame to the officer. Justice Badharudeen emphasized that the officer’s actions seemed deliberate to tarnish the judiciary’s image. The case will resume with Biju’s personal appearance on Friday as the court continues to address the matter.
