'Reviewing legal advice in monthly payment case'; Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala responds

PATHANAMTHITTA: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala admitted to receiving legal opinion from the Advocate General regarding the 'monthly payout' case. The minister informed that a decision on the matter would be reached after consulting the Chief Minister. The legal opinion was sought based on a letter from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Responding to a question, Chennithala added that he maintains a good relationship with all media outlets in Kerala.

"There is no need for the chief minister to discuss the ED issue during his meeting with Rahul Gandhi. I am unaware if the matter has been discussed. It is an issue that can be resolved here itself. Strict action will be taken regarding the complaint of police assault on a Dalit youth from Adoor. A special investigation team has been appointed to probe the complaint against the Sasthamcotta police."

Meanwhile, the government received legal advice stating that a case can be registered against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and son-in-law Mohammed Riyas in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payout case.

The Advocate General informed the state government that if the letter submitted by the ED contains sufficient evidence, an FIR could be registered and an investigation conducted. The ED had requested that a case be registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. If there is insufficient evidence, a preliminary inquiry should be conducted before registering an FIR. Advocate General Jaju Babu forwarded this legal advice to the government via email last night. The advice was provided to the police, taking into account that the ED had submitted its letter to the State Police Chief.