The Kerala High Court on Friday quashed a Vigilance case registered against former Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob for suspending an action ordered by department officials against a ration retailer at Peringassery, Idukki, in connection with alleged irregularities by the retailer.
It was on a complaint from Augusty V.O. of Moolamattam that the Muvattupuzha Vigilance court had ordered the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to register cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Mr. Jacob; T.S. Saseendra Babu, taluk supply officer (TSO), Thodupuzha; and P. Sayeed Muhammed, owner of the ration shop.
The allegation was that when the Vigilance had conducted a surprise check on ration shops in Idukki on January 14, 2016, some malpractices were detected in the shop of Sayeed Muhammed. The district supply officer passed an order suspending the licence of the shop owner on January 23. However, the taluk supply officer refused to implement the order till February 3. The allegation was that the petitioner, who was then the Civil Supplies Minister, had stayed the suspension order to protect the ration shop owner. Thus, the former Minister and others had abused the official position, it was alleged.
Mr. Jacob said he had not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. He had done nothing to protect the ration shop owner. The petitioner was only discharging his duty under the Kerala Rationing Order.
