Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday expressed strong displeasure over former Kerala Principal Secretary, Industries Department (Cashew), Mohammed Hanish, not appearing before it despite issuing summons to him.
The court had directed him to appear before the court in contempt proceedings related to the government denying permission to prosecute the accused in the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC) corruption case, Asianet News reported.
The court warned that it would take coercive action, including arrest, if Hanish failed to appear before the court next Monday .
The court also directed the present Secretary, Forest and Cashew Development Department, K Biju to issue sanctions to prosecute the former officials accused of huge corruption by July 9.
The court warned of contempt proceedings against Biju if action was not taken.
The court made the observations while hearing a contempt petition filed by a Kollam based businessman Kadakampally Manoj against Hanish.
The High Court had earlier found prima facie material to proceed against former KSCDC Managing Director K A Ratheesh and former chairmen E Kasim and R Chandrasekharan in the alleged corruption case.
The court made it clear that no further extension would be granted.
The case has now been posted to June 22 for the personal appearance of Mohammed Hanish who had refused to grant permission to prosecute despite the CBI providing evidence and witnesses against the accused.
The High Court of Kerala had ordered a CBI probe on the basis of legal battles by Kadakampally Manoj.
Interestingly former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of CPM had supported Congress leader Chandrasekharan in the case.
HC fumes over absence of Hanish
