PIL before Kerala High Court against award of Padma Bhushan to Vellappally Natesan

A public interest litigation (PIL) petition has been filed before the Kerala High Court challenging the decision to award the Padma Bhushan to Vellappally Natesan [Sree Narayana Dharmaprabodhana Samrakshna Samithi v. Union of India & Ors.]

Natesan was the General Secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP Yogam), a non-trading company established with the objective of uplifting the Ezhava community in Kerala.

However, earlier today, a single-judge Bench of the High Court ordered the removal of Natesan from his post as SNDP Yogam General Secretary after finding that the organisation failed to submit its financial statements within the stipulated time as per law.

The PIL against awarding the Padma Bhushan to Natesan was moved by the Sree Narayana Dharmaprabodhana Samrakshna Samithi.

The PIL pointed out that Natesan has been accused in several vigilance cases. The cases mentioned involve allegations of embezzlement of crores of rupees. The PIL further pointed out that Natesan is also facing charges of abetment of suicide in a criminal case registered after one of his close aides took his own life after being accused in a vigilance case.

"In all such criminal cases, one common thread is misappropriation of money. It is submitted that the said conduct tells upon the character and integrity of the person," the PIL added.

The petition has also cited an interview given by Natesan to the Indian Express in which he allegedly made derogatory remarks about the Padma awards, saying it has now become a "purchasable commodity."

The petition contended that the Central government had failed to take note of all these factors while deciding to confer the award to Natesan this year.

"Non-consideration of such relevant materials make conferment of award arbitrary and illegal. Conferring such prestigious awards on undeserving person will erode the faith of the public on such awards," the petition stated.

The PIL, therefore, sought directions to cancel the conferment of the Padma Bhushan award to Natesan.

According to the plea, the General Secretary of the petitioner organisation has also submitted a representation to the office of the President of India, raising these concerns.

The High Court is yet to hear the petition.

The PIL was filed by advocate D Anilkumar.