Disappearance Of Malabar Cements Case Files: Kerala HC Orders Inquiry By Registrar (Vigilance) [Read Order]

In a case involving a prominent scam in Kerala, wherein case files have gone missing, the High Court of Kerala has ordered an inquiry to be conducted by the Registrar (Vigilance) of the court.

The cases pertain to massive misappropriations allegedly taken place in Malabar Cements Ltd, a public sector undertaking under the Government of Kerala.

In the batch of cases, the first set of memorandum of certain writ petitions went missing from the court, whereupon the second set was directed to be placed. Subsequently, the second set too went missing. The files went missing after the matters were listed for consideration before the court.

Taking serious note of the circumstances, Justice B Sudheendra Kumar opined that the security of the high court was at stake and alarming. Justice Sudheendra Kumar opined as follows: “It appears that the missing of memorandum of the Writ Petitions is an orchestrated event. From the above, it can be reasonably presumed that the security of the High Court is at stake. Therefore, the situation is very much alarming. Such type of orchestrated activities cannot be permitted to continue in an institution like temple of justice.”

The court thereupon ordered an ordered an inquiry by Registrar (Vigilance) into the case of missing files. The Registrar (Vigilance) may also peruse the CCTV footage with the assistance of experts.

In the peculiar circumstances, it directed that the remaining files be kept in the safe custody of Registrar (Judicial) until further orders. Terming the situation emergent and alarming, the court further directed to place the above order for appropriate direction, if any, before the Acting Chief Justice.