FIR Registered Against Kerala HC Lawyer On Allegations Of Collecting Money In The Name Of Bribing Judges

The Ernakulam Central Police Station registered First Information Report (FIR) against the President of the Kerala High Court Advocates Association, Advocate Saiby Jose Kidangoor, in respect of allegations against him pertaining to taking money from clients in the name of bribing judges. Offences under Section 7(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code have been invoked in the FIR. The FIR has been registered with the approval of the State Police Chief. 

As per the Press Note issued by the State Police Media Centre, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will investigate the case. 

Earlier, the Police had conducted a preliminary investigation on the basis of a complaint made by the Vigilance Registrar of the High Court. The Police had also summoned Saiby for interrogation during the preliminary enquiry.

The allegations are that the lawyer collected lakhs of rupees from clients under the guise of bribing three High Court judges - Justices Muhammed Mustaque, PV Kunhikrishnan and Ziyad Rahman.

The Bar Council of Kerala had, on Monday, decided to initiate suo motu disciplinary proceedings against Advocate Saiby.