Thiruvananthapuram : The Lok Ayukta on Friday referred petition alleging diversion of disaster relief funds during first Pinarayi government to a 3-member Full Bench. The petition accuses ministers including the Chief Minister for its alleged claim of misusing funds. The issue has been shifted to the broader Bench after there rose conflicting view at the Bench comprising Justice Syriak Joseph and Justice Haroon ul Rasheed.
The case will now be heard by Bench also comprising Deputy Lokayukta Judge Babu Mathew and Justice P Joseph. The date of hearing is yet to be announced. Friday ruling cmes on petition filed by Congressman, RS Sasikumar, who is also a former Syndicate member of Kerala University.
The new Bench is being constituted under Section 7(1) of the Lokayukta Act. The point of contention was whether decisions approved by a Cabinet falls in the purview of Lok Ayukta Act.
