The Kerala Lokayukta has found state Higher Education Minister KT Jaleel guilty of nepotism and abuse of power and has said the minister should step down.
- As per the findings of the Lokayukta, Jaleel had changed the qualification for the post of general manager in the corporation to make his second cousin eligible for the post.
- A complaint was made against Jaleel that he had illegally appointed his second cousin as general manager with the Kerala State Minorities Finance Development Corporation.
- As per the Kerala Lokayukta Act, a public servant has to vacate office if a Lokayukta investigation finds him or her guilty. The Lokayukta or the Upa Lokayukta, shall make a declaration to that effect in the report and the competent authority, the Governor, the Government of Kerala or the Chief Minister, should accept the declaration of the anti-corruption body.
- In KT Jaleel’s case, the Lokayukta has made a declaration and the competent authority to take action against him is the chief minister.
- However, KT Jaleel has an option to challenge the order in the court.
- There have been some past precedents where after recommendations from Lokayukta, ministers resigned from their respective posts.
- In 2011, then Uttar Pradesh minister Awadhpal Singh Yadav had stepped down after the UP Lokayukta recommended his removal and lodging of corruption cases against him.
(Source: Indian Express)
