Governor P. Sathasivam has rejected Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala’s plea seeking his approval under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 for an inquiry against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Excise Minister T.P. Ramakrishnan on granting licences to three breweries and a distillery in the State.
The Governor, in his order on Wednesday, rejected the plea of Mr. Chennithala considering a report submitted by the Chief Minister and the decision of the Kerala High Court on October 10, 2018 on a writ petition WP(C) 33153/2018, sources told The Hindu.
The Leader of the Opposition submitted the plea to the Governor on four occasions, on October 1, 4, 10 and 26, seeking approval for inquiry under Section 17 (1) (C) of the Prevention of the Corruption Act, 1988.
The Chief Minister, in his report to the Governor on October 27, stated that the government had revoked the decision to grant the licences. There was no deviation from the provisions of the Act or rules in the process of sanctioning. It was also stated that the decision to revoke the move was taken to avoid controversies that may divert people’s attention from the Rebuild Kerala initiative.
The Governor was informed that a writ petition on the issue was closed by the High Court on October 10 citing that there was no cause for action. C.V. Thomas had filed the writ petition seeking investigation into the granting of licences and action against those involved. A Division Bench of the High Court did not grant relief to this plea and the writ petition was closed.
The Leader of the Opposition relied on the same government orders for seeking consent of the Governor.
Chennithala’s stance
Mr. Chennithala on Wednesday said he was determined to pursue the corruption allegations against the Chief Minister and the Excise Minister . Reacting to questions at a press conference here, Mr. Chennithala said he would seek legal opinion on the options available to pursue the case.