Kerala High Court flays Vigilance for lapses in probe
The prosecution pointed out that the accused misappropriated Rs 20,000 allotted by Kadalundy panchayt
Kochi: Kerala High Court on Friday criticised Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau and observed that it cannot make or evolve its own procedure in the matter of investigation or trial.
“It appears that our prosecuting agencies are not aware of the rules of procedure and also the provisions of the Indian Evidence Act,” the court observed.
“Whether it is police or the Vigilance or the CBI, all prosecuting agencies are governed by the provisions of CrPC and also the Indian Evidence Act,” the court held.
Justice P. Ubaid acquitted V. K. Savithri, the then headmistress of Fisheries LP School, Chalayam, and P. Ali Koya, the then president of the Parent Teachers Association of the school, who moved the court seeking to quash the order of the vigilance court convicting them in a corruption case registered in 1998.
The prosecution pointed out that the accused misappropriated Rs 20,000 allotted by Kadalundy panchayt to the school for purchasing furniture.
The court pointed out that the prosecution did not have any explanation as to why any of the complainants was not examined or why the complaint was not proved or marked during trial.