Bar bribery case: Vigilance Director can supervise further probe, says govt

Kerala government has informed the high court that Vigilance director has the authority to supervise further investigation into the bar bribery case.

The Vigilance Court, Thiruvananthapuram, while ordering further probe into the bar bribery case, had observed that there are “sufficient materials for making out a prima facie case”.

Main contention of the Vigilance is that that the Vigilance Court order had stalled the normal functioning of the department and sought removal of the court’s comments against Vigilance director.

Probe against Kerala Finance Minister KM Mani to continue: Kerala High Court.

Following a letter then by leader of opposition V.S.Acuthanandan to the vigilance director, the Kerala government ordered a vigilance probe against Mani. The vigilance court had found there was evidence to make out a case that Mani had taken bribe from bar owners to renew their liquor licence. It ordered a further probe and that was further upheld on Monday by the high court.

On the context of action against Mani, Congress spokesman Rajmohan Unnithan said the party executive would discuss the issue in the executive committee soon. He also succeeded in securing an order in favour of the government.

Mani’s estranged party colleague and six time legislator P.C. George said that if Mani has any shame, he should not only resign but apologise to the people as well. The court will consider the plea later today. “Mani has to go”, said George.

Besides, the electoral setback has weakened the position of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who used to shield Mani in the bar bribery case until now.