Palmolein oil import: Kerala HC dismisses Achuthanandan's petition

The Kerala High Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan, challenging the Government Order withdrawing prosecution in the corruption case relating to palmolein oil import during 1991-92. A division bench, comprising acting Chief Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice A M Shaffique, said that in view of the subsequent development, the Government Order dated September 13, 2013 had lost its relevance.

"In view of the fact that application for withdrawl of prosecution had already been dismissed on merit by vigilance court and the same had been upheld by the High Court on January 8 this year, the state government order had lost its relevance."

The bench made it clear that it was not entering into the merits of the case and was not expressing any opinion on the decision of the government. As and when further course of action arises, the petitioner can approach the court again, the bench held.

The court had on January 8 declined to accept the state's plea to withdraw prosecution in the case, holding that such a move would only help the accused 'personally or otherwise'. 

The case related to import of palm oil during 1991-92 at 'inflated' price by the then Congress Government headed by late K Karunakaran from a Malaysian firm, allegedly causing a loss of Rs 2.33 crores to the state exchequer. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was the Finance Minister then.