The Kerala High Court expressed strong displeasure as former Principal Secretary Mohammed Hanish failed to appear in a contempt case related to the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation corruption issue. Justice A. Badharudeen warned of coercive legal measures, including possible arrest, if Hanish does not show up on Monday.
The court also instructed the current Secretary, K. Biju, IAS, to sanction prosecution against former officials of KSCDC by July 9. Failure to do so may lead to contempt proceedings against him. The case stemmed from a petition filed by Kadakampally Manoj after Hanish did not reconsider the denial of prosecution sanction.
The High Court found evidence to proceed against former KSCDC officials in a corruption case involving alleged irregularities in awarding contracts, causing substantial losses. Despite multiple opportunities, Hanish refused to grant prosecution sanction, leading to a contempt charge against him.
Hanish’s appeal against the court’s order was dismissed, and he was directed to appear in person. However, his absence was met with disapproval by the court, which rejected his explanation and warned of strict consequences for further non-compliance.
