On Thursday 25th February, in a setback to Kerala government, Justice P. Ubaid of Kerala High Court rejected the state government plea for an early hearing of SNC-Lavalin case and postpone it for 2 months. He expressed his views through his order saying that huge set of old cases are still pending and there is no need of any urgency in taking up the case earlier. “Now, I do not find any extraordinary situation for an urgent hearing in these matters,”
Moreover, he warned the state government not to use judiciary for political motives.”All are cautioned that judicial floor shall not be used for political ends. Cases from year 2000 on-wards are pending before me for consideration,” the Justice said. The Government of Kerala has filed a petition on last month seeking urgent hearing against CBI court verdict acquitting CPM politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan in the SNC Lavalin case.
Furthermore when the petition came up for hearing the CBI sought adjournment as they want Additional Solicotor General to appear for it, but government disagrees and requested immediate hearing.
In November 2013,the CBI special court in Thiruvananthapuram , after observing the affirmations to be baseless had released Pinarayi Vijayan and six others from the case relating to alleged loss of Rs 374.50 crore brought on by them to state exchequer in a contract for the renovation of three hydel projects in the state with a foreign Canadian company SNC Lavalin.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said he respects the order, responding to the court decision.
Adv. Mikky Sudhakaran