Saritha’s charges against police association a serious matter: HC

The Kerala High Court on Monday observed that if ultimately the G. Sivarajan Commission was of the view that the Kerala Police Association had received money from Saritha S. Nair, an accused in the solar scams; it was a serious matter to be placed before the government for appropriate action.

Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque made the observation while directing the State Police Chief to place within a week the details of the phone calls made by Saritha with the former office-bearers of the Kerala Police Association before the commission as sought by C.R. Ajith, secretary of the association.

The court observed that the credibility of the statement of Saritha that she had paid Rs.20 lakh to the police association had to be ascertained to act further on the testimony of the scam accused.

Panel to examine

The question whether the association had been unnecessarily dragged or not had to be examined by the commission. Whether individual office-bearers or the police association was the real culprit was a matter to be decided only after concluding the evidence. The court was considering a writ petition filed by Mr. Ajith against the order of the commission rejecting his request to seek the details of the phone calls made by Saritha to the former office-bearers of the association. The commission turned down the plea on the ground that such details were not relevant and useful in the inquiry.

The petitioner pointed out that the details were absolutely essential to bring on record the conspiracy and circumstances under which the statement was given.

The court said that whether the details sought by the petitioner were relevant or not could be considered by the commission while evaluating the entire evidence for the purpose of recommendation.

While setting aside the commission’s order, the court said the panel had posted the matter for February 15 for cross-examination of Saritha by the association. Therefore, a further opportunity should be given to the petitioner.

The solar scam accused says she had paid Rs.20 lakh to the police association