SOMAN Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner sought a direction to the Vigilance Tribunal (respondent No.2), Kozhikode to dispose of Enquiry Case No.2/2021 within a time frame.

(2.) The enquiry relates to allegations of corruption relating to creation of forged pattayam by one B.A. Muhammed with the connivance of respondent No.5 who was the General Manager of the Plantation Corporation of Kerala Ltd.

(3.) On 9/7/2015, a report was published in a media regarding the creation of forged pattayam and illegal encroachment upon the Government land. The Managing Director, Plantation Corporation of Kerala (respondent No.4), issued a direction to submit a report regarding the allegations. A Vigilance Committee was constituted by respondent No.4 which submitted a preliminary report on 1/12/2015. It was reported that there was grave dereliction of duty on the part of one Sri. C.M. Thomas and respondent No.5. Later, Crime No.291/2015 was registered by the Adhur Police of Kasaragode District alleging offences punishable under Ss. 465, 468 and 471 r/w 34 of IPC. A charge sheet was filed before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Kasaragode which is pending as C.C.No.1241 of 2016. Respondent No.3, after examining the findings of the Investigating Officer recommended to conduct a vigilance enquiry against the delinquent officers. The Government ordered enquiry by the Vigilance Tribunal as per GO(Rt) No.118/2021/Vig dtd. 29/9/2021.