Kerala bar bribery case: Chandy meets AG to discuss Mani issue

Chandy held a discussion with advocate-general in Kochi Friday morning on moving an appeal in the Kerala High Court against the vigilance court directive.

A day after the vigilance court ordered for further probe against state Finance Minister K M Mani in the bar bribery case, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy held discussions with the advocate-general on future course of action.

Chandy held a discussion with advocate-general K P Dandapani at Aluva, Kochi Friday morning on moving an appeal in the Kerala High Court against the vigilance court directive.

Although the government is desperately looking for a relief, a section of Congress is apprehensive about the move.

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The Congress fears that if the outcome of the appeal is not favourable, it would be a double whammy for the party on the eve of election to local bodies.

CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the government move to go for appeal was ludicrous. He said Mani had welcomed the further probe and questioned the government’s attempts to stall the investigation. Congress government has ravaged the prevention of corruption act. If Mani fails to quit voluntarily, the governor should sack him, said Kodiyeri.

The government is leaving an impression that Mani is above the law. The further probe should be held under the supervision of the High Court, he said.

Meanwhile, Mani cancelled his election campaign programs slated for Friday in Idukki, a stronghold of his Christian party Kerala Congress. Mani was forced to remain indoors in Pala fearing protest from the Left.

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