The Hindu : Kerala News : Hearing on petition against Minister tomorrow

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Wednesday, Nov 24, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

Hearing on petition against Minister tomorrow

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, NOV. 23. A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court today adjourned to Thursday the hearing on the writ petition seeking to issue quo warranto against the Industries Minister, P.K. Kunhalikutty, directing him to explain under what authority he is continuing as Minister.

The petition pointed out that Mr. Kunhalikutty could no longer remain in the post as he had violated the oath of office by causing the destruction of evidence in the ice-cream parlour case and inciting violence on the media and instigating removal of the National Flag at the Karipur airport.

The petition was filed by Edwin Tomson of Kochi and another person. According to the petitioners, the State had been witnessing violations of democratic principles and rule of law. The Minister had been adopting undemocratic methods to get over the allegations raised against him.

Abuse of court process

Meanwhile, a petition was filed by Gokul Prasad, secretary, People's Forum for Natural Justice, Palakkad, seeking to implead him in the case. He said that the quo warranto petition had been filed at the instance of Mr. Kunhalikutty. He pointed out that High Court and Supreme Court rulings had said that violation of oath would not lead to issue of quo warranto. According to Mr. Prasad, the petitioner was well aware of these dictums. He said that the filing of the petition was a clear case of abuse of the process of the court.

Bail petition

Justice J.M. James adjourned to November 30 the hearing on a bail petition filed by Manoj, one of the accused in the Kiliroor sex scandal case.

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