Date:04/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/04/stories/2007040424370400.htm

Kerala

CPI(M) weighing options

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPI(M) is weighing its options in the wake of the Kerala High Court strictures against Minister for Local Self-Government Paloli Mohammed Kutty and a decision in the matter is likely only after the party State secretariat considers it at its meeting here on Thursday.

Although the demand for Mr. Mohammed Kutty's resignation has gathered momentum, Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan has said that the Government would consult legal experts before taking a decision in the matter.

By available indications, it will not be an easy decision for the CPI(M) because the High Court's observations are of a grave nature and not even tendering of a public apology as suggested by the court would help save the situation.

Mr. Mohammed Kutty had made the speech criticising the judiciary at Kozhikode on January 30. The High Court had initiated contempt proceedings against the Minister on its own and the Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Justice M.N. Krishnan have been unsparing in their criticism of the Minister.