Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

UDF petitions Governor

Thiruvananthapuram: The United Democratic Front on Monday submitted a memorandum to Governor R.S. Gavai seeking action against Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan for violating the oath of office by interfering in the appointment of Supreme Court judges, besides trying to influence the Justice Mohan Kumar Commission that probed the Kalluvathukkal hooch tragedy.

The memorandum, significantly enough, was silent on the recent allegations of the UDF focussed on the Chief Minister and his son's involvement in several deals.

The memorandum pointed out that P. Sasi, former CPI(M) State committee member and political secretary to the former Chief Minister, the late E.K. Nayanar. had disclosed recently that Mr. Achuthanandan had tried to influence the Justice Mohan Kumar Commission.

“A Chief Minister who orders investigation through special investigation teams consisting of senior police officers on trivial statements made by shady characters through the media is remaining silent regarding the incident, where a judicial commission was sought to be influenced,” the memorandum said.

With regard to interference in judicial appointments, the UDF memorandum said Mr. Achuthanandan's attempt to intervene in the appointment of judges had earlier become controversial.

Mr. Achuthanandan, it said, wrote to the President recommending the appointment of V.K. Bali, who was earlier Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, as judge of the Supreme Court.

“While the Hon'ble president of India makes an appointment of judges to the Supreme Court based on the recommendations of the Collegium consisting solely of judges of the Supreme Court, written recommendation of Shri. V.S. Achuthanandan to appoint a judge who was not even considered by the Collegium as judge to the Supreme Court amounts to naked violation of oath under the Constitution of India.”

The memorandum informed the Governor that the Opposition had decided to “submit in writing to the Chief Minister all the allegations we have raised on the condition that all the allegations will be inquired into”.

“We will give in writing the allegations on March 2. The necessary evidence will be submitted during the inquiry,” Mr. Chandy said.

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