Kochi: The Kerala High Court has set aside a report submitted by the finance wing of the government alleging irregularity in the appointment of the general manager in the Kerala Financial Corporation, Thiruvananthapuram. The court held that the inspection conducted into the administrative functions of the KFC by the state government and the report filed by it cannot have any binding effect. Hence, the report is set aside, the court said. The court allowed the petition filed by Premnath Ravindranath, general manager (finance and marketing), of KFC challenging the report. He argued that he was appointed as general manager on March 26, 2008.
Following an inspection conducted by the finance department, the Vigilance officer of the corporation conducted an inquiry and reported that the selection and appointment was in accordance with law. In August 2012, a further inspection was conducted by the finance inspection wing and a report was furnished alleging irregularity in the appointment of the petitioner and recommended cancellation of the selection. It had also suggested to conduct a fresh selection. There is no provision in the State Financial Act enabling a direct inspection by the state government into the administrative affairs of a financial corporation. The corporation also failed to point out any provisions of law which enable the issuance of directions in the nature of cancellation of the selection, he said.
