Is the top Kerala cop M.R. Ajith Kumar finally off the hook as HC quashes Vigilance Court order?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Kerala High Court annulled the Vigilance Court's ruling against M.R. Ajith Kumar.
- Future complaints must have prior sanction before being filed.
- Baseless allegations can tarnish reputations without solid proof, as highlighted by the court.
- The initial allegations against Ajith Kumar were deemed unfounded by the Vigilance report.
- The ruling emphasizes the importance of credible evidence in judicial matters.
Kochi, Nov 21 (NationPress) In a significant reprieve for Additional Director General of Police M.R. Ajith Kumar, the Kerala High Court has on Friday annulled the Vigilance Court ruling that previously revoked his clean chit in the disproportionate assets matter.
The High Court determined that no further investigation would take place at this juncture and instructed that any forthcoming complaints must be lodged only after obtaining the necessary prior sanction.
Moreover, the High Court dismissed negative comments made by the Vigilance Court regarding the office of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, asserting that such statements lacked adequate legal grounding or evidence.
The state government had appealed to the High Court, contending that the Vigilance Court’s remarks had overstepped its jurisdiction.
Ajith Kumar had contested the Vigilance Court ruling, claiming it was based exclusively on unverified public allegations put forth by former MLA P.V. Anvar via media outlets.
He argued that the court had neither thoroughly reviewed the Vigilance report nor taken into account documentary evidence before rescinding his exoneration.
The High Court emphasized that courts must exercise caution when altering clean chit findings unless there is prima facie evidence warranting further scrutiny.
It affirmed that initial allegations do not equate to actionable evidence.
As per the Vigilance report, five distinct allegations made by Anvar—including illicit wealth accumulation, participation in gold smuggling for profit, construction of a luxury home with illegitimate funds, misappropriation of teak wood, and financial discrepancies in property transactions—were all deemed unfounded.
During the investigation, it was validated through official documentation and witness statements that the teak wood had been legally auctioned, the residence was built with legitimate bank financing, and no financial anomalies were discovered.
The report further affirmed that no connection was established between Ajith Kumar and any alleged gold smuggling ring.
The High Court clarified that while vigilance against corruption is critical, unfounded claims should not be permitted to damage reputations without credible evidence.
This ruling is viewed as a setback for those advocating for renewed action in the case, although it leaves room for future proceedings following appropriate legal protocols.