Kerala HC Takes Suo Moto Notice Of Businessman Killing Himself Over Authorities Blocking His Project

The High Court of Kerala today took suo moto notice of the suicide of a businessman, which was allegedly caused due to the refusal of municipal officials in granting sanction to an auditorium built by him.

The 49-year-old Nigeria-returned businessman, Sajan Parayil, who had spent about Rs 16 crore for the auditorium, hanged himself at his home on Tuesday, after the Anthoor municipality in Kannur district refused to grant completion certificate for his dream project.

Taking notice of the issue based on media reports, the bench of Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar sought a report from the Government on the alleged lapses by the Municipality in granting certificate. The Court has also directed the Government to place on record all communications which took place between the Municipal officials and Sajan. The report has to be submitted within three weeks.

Anthoor Municipality, Kannur Town Planner and the Secretary of Local Self Government Department have been added as respondents in the petition.

Sajan's family has alleged that the obstinate stand taken by the Municipality against clearing the construction drove him to suicide. The municipal chairperson PK Shyamala had told Sajan that he would not get certificate for the building so long as she was in position, alleged his widow Beena.

The issue had created a furore in the Legislative Assembly yesterday, with the opposition staging a walk out after alleging the LDF government of creating a hostile environment for businesses in the state. 

Four officers of Anthoor Municipality in Kannur were suspended by the Government yesterday over this incident.