KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday stayed all further proceedings against former Industries Minister E P Jayarajan in a Vigilance case registered in connection with the appointment of his relative as managing director of the Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE).
The order was passed on a petition filed by Jayarajan seeking to quash the FIR. The case was registered under the provision of the Prevention of Corruption Act and section 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code.
According to Jayarajan, the government being the appointing authority, it could not be said he resorted to any corruption or illegal means nor there is any abuse of his post as a public servant in making the appointment.
There was no allegation that he obtained any undue pecuniary advantage, the petition stated.
The prosecution case was that P K Sudheer, a relative of Jayarajan, was appointed MD of KSIE by suppressing the recommendation of the Public Sector Restructuring Internal Audit Board, which had forwarded the names of two eligible candidates for the post, and in violation of the selection procedure.