Kochi: The state government is trying to defend CM and the government from the impacts of Lokayukta order which resulted in minister KT Jaleel’s resignation. In the legal advice to the government, the Advocate General recommended filing a writ petition against the Lokayukta order.

The government issued the appointment order of KT Adeeb, a kin of minister KT Jaleel, and CM signed the order which was issued for altering the qualification. Observing these two matters, the AG advised the government to immediately file a writ petition by questioning the Lokayukta verdict. The advice was given for avoiding further damage to the government over the nepotism row.

Jaleel also approached the High Court seeking stay on the Lokayukta verdict. But he was forced to file his resignation as the judge asked if he is continuing in power.

At the same time, the government didn’t take a final decision on the legal advice from Advocate General Sudhakara Prasad. The law department has been considering the legal advice. A final decision regarding this will be taken soon.

It is learned that the Lokayukta issued the verdict against Jaleel without seeking an explanation from the government. Observing this fact, the AG advised that the government has the legal right to question Lokayukta verdict before the court.

The preparation to file writ petition against the verdict is being initiated as the opposition also moved against the CM after Jaleel’s resignation. But the Lokayukta didn’t issue any statement against the CM in the verdict.

In the order, Lokayukta observed that Higher Education Minister KT Jaleel has no moral right to continue in office as he has “misused” his powers and indulged in “nepotism”. But observing the chances of a vigilance case, the government is planning to file the writ petition.

  k t jaleel