Kochi: The Kerala High Court Friday rejected Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash's plea challenging a quick verification order by the Muvatupuzha Vigilance Court in the land dealing case.
Justice B Ubaid also directed to conduct a fair trial in the case.
On Wednesday, the Muvattupuzha vigilance court had ordered a quick verification against the minister in the land deal in which government-owned surplus land was granted to controversial self-styled godman Santhosh Madhavan.
The verification was ordered against the minister on a petition filed by Kalamassery native Gireesh Babu which sought inquiry against six persons, including CM Oommen Chandy. The court, however, exempted Chandy from the preliminary inquiry.
In an order on March 2 this year, the State government decided to hand the property over to RMZ Eco World Infrastructure Private Limited for setting up a hi-tech IT park subject to constraints, including clearance and permission in accordance with the Paddy Land and Wetland Act.
The order also exempted land ceiling limits under Section 81 (3) of the Kerala Land Reforms Act, also subject to constraints. With the move kicking up a controversy, the government later withdrew the order.