Former Kerala High Court Judge Exonerated in Rs 1,000 Crore CSR Scandal
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Synopsis
The Kerala High Court has dismissed a PIL challenging the FIR against former judge C.N. Ramachandran Nair in a massive CSR funds scam. The court acknowledged the need for caution when accusing individuals of constitutional office and subsequently cleared Nair from the accusations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust in the judiciary.
Key Takeaways
- The Kerala High Court dismissed a PIL against former judge C.N. Ramachandran Nair.
- The case was regarding the Rs 1,000 crore CSR funds scam.
- Retired judges expressed concern over Nair's mention in the FIR.
- The court emphasized the need for careful consideration when charging individuals in constitutional positions.
- Over 500 cheating cases have been registered in the CSR scam investigation.
Kochi, Feb 25 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) brought forth by a collective of attorneys contesting the filing of an FIR against former Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair in the Rs 1,000 crore CSR funds fraud case.
The PIL was initiated after Police Sub-Inspector T.A. Shahul Hameed registered a case against Nair last month in Perinthalmanna, located in Malappuram district.
An organization of retired judges from the Kerala High Court expressed their dissatisfaction with the police's actions, asserting that the FIR only mentioned Nair as the patron of the NGO involved in the scam, which they deemed inaccurate.
Earlier this month, when the PIL was first presented, a division bench comprising Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice P. Krishna Kumar raised concerns regarding the police's rationale for filing the FIR against the former judge.
“...By the time, the damage will be caused to the institution among the public. Who will repair that? You had to apply your mind. We are not concerned with x or y. Ultimately this will directly or indirectly tarnish the image of the institution; everyone must be aware of it,” the bench stated.
During the hearing on Tuesday, the court acknowledged the written statement from the Director General of Prosecutions, confirming that Nair would be removed from the list of accused.
“Today, a statement delivered by the Director General of Prosecution has been placed before us. We record the same. In such a view of the matter, the investigating officer shall act upon that statement and take the necessary steps to exclude the former judge from the array of accused,” the court noted.
The court emphasized that while no individual is above the law, special care must be exercised when charging someone who has held a constitutional position, given the potential implications for the judiciary's reputation and public trust.
Subsequently, the court concluded the PIL, thereby clearing the former judge of any wrongdoing.
The CSR scam, orchestrated by Anandhu Krishnan, who was the driving force behind the NGO, defrauded many innocent individuals throughout Kerala. Krishnan enticed victims by offering high-value items such as scooters, laptops, and sewing machines at half their market price.
His aggressive marketing campaigns persuaded numerous individuals to invest their savings in what seemed like lucrative offers.
While Krishnan remains in judicial custody, the investigation has now been taken over by the Crime Branch, resulting in over 500 cheating cases registered statewide.
