The Kerala High Court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition challenging the appointment of former State Finance Minister Dr. Thomas Isaac as an advisor to the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission (KKEM) [Navas A v State of Kerala & ors].
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, observed that the PIL was entirely misconceived.
"The State government has engaged someone who is an expert in the field as an advisor, who has agreed to work on a voluntary basis. The writ is unsupported by proper research. It is unfortunate that the respondent (Isaac) was subject to such a petition," the Bench said.
The petition moved by one Navas A said that the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) under which KKEM operates, is a registered charitable society designed to enhance employment opportunities and promote socio-economic development in Kerala.
The petitioner alleged that the government issued a notification appointing Isaac as an advisor of KKEM under a non-existent department, namely the 'Planning and Economic Affairs (Development and Innovation) Department.'
He submitted that only the 'Planning and Economic Affairs Department' exists, not the one mentioned in the government order dated December 12, 2024.
Additionally, the petitioner claimed that Isaac's appointment involved improper financial allocations, including the allocation of ₹70,000 per month for fuel charges and driver expenses. He argued that such misuse of public funds constituted nepotism and favoritism.
"It is a clear example of nepotism and favouritism. More than Lakh rupees are spent every month for an advisor for a post under an imaginary department and project. It is a great loss for the Government exchequer," stated the plea.
The petitioner added that the decision to appoint Isaac as an advisor was made without necessary consultation with the Finance Department, which is mandatory when public funds are involved.
The Court had previously questioned the bona fides of the petitioner and ordered a probe into him.
The plea was filed through advocate Akhil Suseendran.
Detailed judgment awaited.