After Kerala High Court Flak, IAS Officer Tenders Unconditional Apology Over 'Contemptuous Remarks' In Cashew Corp Scam Case
On Friday (10 July), IAS officer K. Biju, who is in charge of Kerala's Cashew Development department, tendered an unconditional apology before the High Court for allegedly making 'contemptuous remarks' in a sanction order, that was later cancelled.
The apology was tendered before Justice A. Badharudeen who is considering a contempt plea filed by Kadakampally Manoj.
The proceedings were initiated after the Principal Secretary of the Industries department Mohammed Hanish repeatedly failed to comply with the High Court's direction to re-consider sanction to prosecute ex-officials of the State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC).
The sanction has now been granted vide order dated July 6, to prosecute A1 K. Ratheesh, former Managing Director, and A3 R. Chandrasekharan, former Chairman of the KSCDC, who allegedly caused loss of crores of rupees to the Corporation.
However, the prior sanction order dated July 2 (Annexure A9), passed by Biju, stated that sanction was "forced" to be given because of the orders of the Court and there was no application of mind by the government.
This Annexure A9 order was subsequently cancelled on the advice of the Advocate General. However, the Court had taken exception to its wordings and had issued contempt notice to the officer under Rule 9 of the Contempt of Court (High Court of Kerala) Rules, for 'maligning' the judiciary.
Today, the respondent-officer appeared in person and tendered unconditional apology before the Court.
"On reflection, I sincerely regret that phraseology of the order was capable of being perceived as reflecting adversely on the authority of this Honorable Court. I unequivocally withdraw every expression contained in the said order, that could be construed as questioning in the correctness, authority and Judicial wisdom. It is further submitted that when an approved Government Order is found with error/ inappropriately worded, the same is cancelled and revised order is issued by the Government in many cases.. In the instant case, it was brought to the notice of the Government by the learned Advocate general and that the order is withdrawn now." the affidavit read.
The court, not satisfied with the apology submitted, has asked the IAS oficer to add that he had independently appraised the matter and re-issued the order after assessing the facts.
The matter is now posted on 15 July for further consideration.
Case No: Con.Case (C) No. 908 of 2025
Case Title: Kadakampally Manoj v. Mohammed Hanish and Anr.