PANNYAN RAVEENDRAN Vs. SHAMNAD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The question we are called upon to consider in this writ petition is as to whether the Kerala Lok Ayukta can investigate into matters relating to selection of candidates by political parties for contesting election.

(2.) The 1st respondent, who claims to be a social and political worker, filed Ext.P2 complaint before the Kerala Lok Ayukta (hereinafter referred to as 'Lok Ayukta', for short) contending that, on receiving illegal gratification from Dr.Bennet Abraham, the 4th respondent in the complaint, respondents 1 to 3 therein, who are office bearers of Communist Party of India (CPI), hatched a conspiracy between them and gave candidature to the 4th respondent to contest as Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate for election to the 16th Lok Sabha from Thiruvananthapuram constituency.

(3.) While considering the complaint for preliminary enquiry and admission, the Lok Ayukta observed that, if the allegations levelled by the complainant against the respondents therein are proved, their actions would amount not only to corruption but also to maladministration. Holding that Ext. P2 complaint is maintainable before that forum, the Lok Ayukta passed Ext.P3 order deciding to conduct an investigation into the allegations in the complaint and, invoking the powers under Sec. 16(3) of the Kerala Lok Ayukta Act, 1999 (hereinafter referred to as the'Lok Ayukta Act), entrusted a senior police officer of the State to conduct the enquiry.