Solar Scam: Kerala High Court Quashes Criminal Case Against Former Chief Minister's Personal Staff Tenny Joppen
K. Salma Jennath
16 July 2026 6:23 PM IST
Court noted that the dispute has been amicably settled.
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (July 15) removed the name of Tenny Joppen, who was a staff of former Chief Minister late Oommen Chandy, from the list of accused in the solar scam case. [2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 374]
The case arose out of a complaint made by businessman Sreedharan Nair, who claimed to have been cheated of Rs. 40 lakhs, by prime accused Saritha S. Nair and Biju Radhakrishnan. Joppen was accused of facilitating the crime.
Justice C.S. Dias allowed the plea filed by Joppen seeking to quash the criminal proceedings initiated against him in the case, after noting that the case has been amicably settled.
"On an overall consideration of the facts and circumstances of the present case, and the materials on record, I am satisfied that: the offences alleged are not heinous or of a serious nature; no public interest or element of societal concern is involved; the chances of conviction are remote in view of the settlement; and the continuation of the proceedings would merely burden the judicial process without advancing the cause of justice. Furthermore, the settlement would promote harmony between the parties and restore peace. Hence, this Court is persuaded to hold that this is a fit case to exercise its inherent jurisdiction," the Court added.
In its interim order passed on July 3, the Court had recorded the submission made by the counsel appearing for the de facto complainant, Sreedharan Nair, that the disputes between him and Joppen is amicably settled.
The de facto complainant had also undertook to file an affidavit in this regard. Thereafter, he had filed an affidavit affirming the settlement.
Joppen was arrayed as the third accused in the crime registered before the Konni Police Station accusing him of committing the offences punishable under Sections 406, 419, 420, 201 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. The final report has been filed in the case and the same is pending before the Judicial First Class Magistrate-II, Pathanamthitta.
The prosecution allegation is that prime accused Saritha S. Nair and Biju Radhakrishnan advertised the registration of a company called "Team Solar Renewable Energy Company Ltd." and that on the basis of the same the de facto complainant contacted Nair. It is further alleged that these two accused visited the complainant's business establishment and made him believe that their company was recognised by the central and state governments.
The prosecution further alleges that the two accused offered to establish a solar plant worth Rs. 39.75 crores at Kinfra Park, Palakkad on a payment of Rs. 5 crores whereas the rest of the expenses would be covered by government subsidy and loan. The complainant, thereafter, issued two cheques amounting to Rs. 40 lakhs in favour of the company but it was encashed at the whims of the two main accused persons.
The specific allegation against Joppen was that he facilitated the crime orchestrated by the afore accused persons. It is alleged that Joppen, who was a staff of the then chief minister, was called on the phone by Saritha in order to make the scam believable. It is further alleged that the complainant was also brought to the office of Joppen, who conveyed that the company set up by the 2 accused was a good establishment. The prosecution further alleged that Joppen accepted a gift and a portion of the amount.
Case No: Crl.MC 5121/2026
Case Title: Tenny Joppen v. State of Kerala and Anr.
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 374
Counsel for the petitioner: Soniya M.
Counsel for the respondents: P. Saju, Devadas H. Mallan - Public prosecutor
