HC raps AG office again

Kochi: Barely a week after it came down on the functioning of office of the Advocate General in the state, the Kerala High Court Friday criticised it for non-furnishing of materials sought by it in a vigilance case and sought a report from the Chief Secretary.

Justice Alexander Thomas, whose critical observations on July 23 against the AG's office were described by UDF government as 'unfotunate', was again upset with the state law officer's office during the hearing of a batch of petitions seeking to quash vigilance cases against public servants.

Justice Thomas observed that inspite of repeated directions, the AG's office did not furnish materials sought by it in a matter related to grant of assignment of land in Kannur district.

The Judge said "this lethargic attitude is a green signal" to grant stay for proceedings in vigilance case in favour of the accused.

He directed the state Chief Secretary to file a report regarding this particular case 'without consulting higher-ups'.

Last week, while considering another case, Justice Thomas had criticised the functioning of the AG's office and asked it to take lessons in working from neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

In his oral observations, the judge had said though there were more than 120 law officers working under the AG, they are not carrying out the proceedings effectively.