HC gives interim reprieve to Oommen Chandy in Solar case

Kochi: The High Court has given a gag order for two months in debating the letter written by Saritha S Nair in connection with the 'Solar' case, including discussions in the press.

The interim order which bars any debate, discussion or publication of content of Saritha's letter was in response to the petition by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in which he questioned the report of the judicial enquiry commission and the subsequent action by the LDF government. The court order came during the hearing by the High Court of the petition which will be taken up for hearing again on 15 January.

The High Court earlier also expressed disapproval of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for issuing a press release close on the heels of the submission of the report by the Commission. The court commented that the press release was inappropriate and wondered how conclusions could be drawn before a trial in a case.

The court also pointed out that the government had an obligation to protect the fundamental right of an individual. Oommen Chandy had also demanded that the content on matters outside the terms of reference should be annulled. Chandy was represented in the court by senior Supreme Court lawyer Kapil Sibal.

However, the court refused to stay the proceedings of the Solar commission. The government's counsel argued that issuing interim orders on the subject should only be after hearing the government side. Following this, the court informed that it was not staying the commission's report, or follow-up action based on it. The government was represented by senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi.

BJP leader K. Surendran has also impleaded himself in the case.