Disciplinary action against Jacob Thomas: not for pointing out corruption, Kerala Govt

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government pleads in the High Court that its discplinary action against Thomas Jacob, DGP under suspension, is not because he brought to light corruption, but because while occupying the post of DGP, he took anti-government positions.

The government will inform the High Court that Jacob Thomas has not faced any threat for having uncovering corruption. Therefore, he is not entitled to the legal protection for whistle-blowing. And his actions did not come under the purview of Whistle Blowers Protection Act. This will form part of the government's response to the petition filed by Jacob Thomas.

Jacob Thomas, who is also a former Director of Vigilance, in his petition had stated that officials who were part of the government were hunting him and pointed out that because of his stern position against corruption and misrule, he had several enemies. The court, after considering his petition, issued notices returnable within two weeks, to the state and central governments.

Thomas mentioned that he conducted an enquiry into the Pattoor land case in which several big names were under allegations. Pitted against him were people subject to such allegations and occupying high positions. For these reasons, though he had the seniority to become DGP, he was appointed to a lower post. He requested the court to authorise the Centra Vigilance Commission to examine the moves against him and to ensure his security. Thomas also prayed to the court to issue directions to the central government to dispose his petition in which he had raised these matters.