THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF Government’s decision to hand over the custodial right of Kovalam palace and the adjoining land to the RP Group of Companies came in for sharp attack in the Assembly from P C George MLA who alleged the government had ‘sold off’ the prime property on the pretext of implementing a court order. “When the case was being considered, the Advocate General warned the government a civil case should be filed or else the property would end up in the hands of the business tycoon. Why didn’t the government file a civil suit then? This is one of the biggest scams Kerala has witnessed,” George said in a submission. George said allegations the Chief Minister’s kin was linked to the RP Group were false. However, ‘certain others’ definitely have links to that company, the Poonjar MLA said. He demanded immediate intervention by the government in reclaiming the property.
Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala termed as ‘mysterious’ the stand taken by the government in the Kovalam palace issue. He added many agitations had taken place during the UDF Government’s tenure alleging the property was being sold off. Chennithala urged the government to scrap the Cabinet decision to give custodial right of the palace to RP Group.Replying to the submission, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the government’s attempts to stake claim to the property was quashed both by the High Court and the Supreme Court. He said the government also received legal advice there was no option for a review of the court decision.
“It was when the RP Group filed a contempt of court case the government decided to hand over the property back to the hotel group. However, the government has retained the ownership of the property and can exercise the option of filing a civil suit in the appropriate court,” Pinarayi said.
Kovalam palace: HC disposes of biz tycoon’s contempt plea
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday disposed of a petition filed by business tycoon B Ravi Pillai seeking contempt action against state government officers for not handing over Halcyon Castle, known as Kovalam Palace, despite a court directive. The court disposed of the petition after recording the state government’s submission it has handed over the palace to Pillai. The petitioner informed the HC non-compliance of a judgment issued by a single bench on January 7, 2011, was upheld by a division bench on December 8, 2014, and by the Supreme Court on March 8 last year. Through the orders, the courts had asked the property comprising Kovalam Asoka Beach Resort and 64.5 acres be restored to Pillai.