KOCHI: The judicial commission inquiring into alleged irregularities in the agreement signed between the previous UDF Government and the Adani Group over developing the Vizhinjam port observed a trend exists of tarnishing the image of investors ready to invest in Kerala. On Thursday, the commission headed by Justice C N Ramachandran Nair heard from the counsel appearing for former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy during the sitting held here.
While hearing the counsel, the commission orally observed investors who like to invest in the state face adversities and their reputations are often tarnished. According to the commission, the interactions made by Chandy with potential bidders were to execute the project.
Chandy’s counsel submitted meetings were held to attract companies to take part in the tender process. Three companies, including the Adani Group, stayed away from bidding after showing initial interest. Chandy communicated with these companies only when they did not bid during the tender process. The commission orally observed these meetings can be viewed as ones with good intention to execute the project.
The counsel also claimed Chandy decided to meet the companies after the board of directors suggested the chief ministers of other states meet investors when major projects are planned. What remains to be checked is, the commission said, whether all the companies that came up with proposals were given equal consideration.
The state government has extended the time period of the judicial commission for six months. The commission will conduct its next sitting from July 4 to 7. The commission expects government documents to be made available without delay. After hearing all the persons concerned and examining the official documents, it is expected to enter the argument stage in three weeks’ time.