The Kerala High Court on Friday set aside the State government's decision to deny sanction for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the corruption case against Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Limited (KSCDC) officials [Kadakampally Manoj v Mohammed Hanish].

Justice A Badharudeen held that prima facie contempt of court was made out against the State for repeatedly refusing sanction for such probe despite previous orders of the Court.

Hence, it directed the Principal Secretary at Industries Department (cashew), Mohammed Hanish, to appear in person before the Court.

It also set aside the state's latest government order denying prosecution sanction to CBI.

"Prima facie contempt found. Order set aside. For appearance of respondent in person," the Court stated.

The petitioner, Kadakampally Manoj, had initially approached the Court alleging large scale malpractice, corruption and misuse of funds in the procurement of raw cashew by the KSCDC. Acting on his plea, the Court had ordered a CBI investigation in 2015.

The CBI had sought sanction to prosecute former KSCDC chairman, R Chandrasekharan and former managing director KA Ratheesh among others, in the corruption case.

It was alleged that the officials entered into a criminal conspiracy with one Jaimon Joseph and dishonestly awarded contracts to his firm resulting in loss of several crores to the cashew corporation.

After the State denied sanction, contempt of court petition was filed by Manoj. The Court then quashed the State decision and directed it to reconsider the CBI's request

However, the State once again denied sanction, the third such instance, prompting the Court to intervene today to quash the decision and order the personal appearance of the principal secretary

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