Date:31/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/31/stories/2008103153380400.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Upa Lok Ayukta’s order challenged high court round-up

Kochi: The Upa Lok Ayukta’s order cancelling the rank list of candidates prepared by the University of Kerala for the post of Assistant Grade II and all appointments made from the list has been challenged in the Kerala High Court.

The petition was filed by B.S. Rajeev and three other Syndicate members.

The Upa Lok Ayukta had found that the Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and the petitioners who were on the selection committee were guilty of nepotism and favouritism as they had abused their official position as public servants.

The Upa Loka Ayukta had recommended legal action against them. The petitioners said the finding that they were public servants as defined by Section 2(O) of the Kerala Lok Ayukta Act was wrong.

They contended that they did not come under the definition of public servants.

The Upa Lok Ayukta had not applied his mind while deciding the issue.

Keezhsanthis’ plea

Four Keezhsanthis in the Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple who were suspended in connection with the detection of cigarette butts in the nivedyam supplied to a devotee filed a writ petition in the High Court against the suspension order. They said the Guruvayur Administrator or the managing committee had no powers to suspend them. They were not employees of the Guruvayur Devaswom. Nor did they draw salary from the Devaswom.