The Kerala Lok Ayukta has opened an inquiry against Health Minister K. K. Shylaja in connection with the politically controversial appointment of members to the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. Lok Ayukta Justice Pius C. Kuriakose and Upa Lok Ayukta K.P. Balachandran said a complaint filed by Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala against Ms. Shyalaja involved serious allegations of nepotism and abuse of power.
They noted that the Minister had ordered the extension of time to receive applications for appointment as commission members “not withstanding” the fact that the Supreme Court had in 2005 fined Kerala and other States for a delay in making appointments to the commission.
Mr. Chennithala had earlier moved the court to declare Ms. Shylaja unfit to hold the post of Minister. The judges said that their inquiry, at this juncture, was not to ascertain whether the Minister was guilty of the allegations. The inquiry was focussed on whether there was prima facie case warranting a regular investigation by the Lok Ayukta. Mr. Chennithala had produced three documents as evidence. Two are newspaper reports on which the Lok Ayukta did not place much reliance.
However, the order of the High Court on a writ petition filed by Jasmine Alex challenging the appointments to the commission was a matter of import.
