Chief Justice S Manikumar was hearing a plea seeking annulment of the Lokayukta proceedings in the matter of alleged corruption in the purchase of PPE kits during Covid-19 pandemic.
[File Photo]
The Kerala High Court on Thursday said that tragedies should not be used to hide corruption and nepotism.
The observation came while a bench headed by Chief Justice S Manikumar was hearing a plea by Rajan Kobragade, former Principal Secretary, Health Department, seeking annulment of the Lokayukta proceedings in the matter of alleged corruption in the purchase of PPE kits and medical equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The bench said that Lokayukta held the power to investigate complaints regarding corruption in public offices.
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The Lokayukta sent a notice to the former Health Minister KK Shailaja to appear before it on 8 December on the complaint that there was corruption in the purchase of PPE kits during the Covid period.
Congress leader Veena S Nair approached the Lokayukta, alleging corruption in the purchase of PPE Kits. She also alleged corruption in the purchase of surgical equipment in addition to PPE kits.
The complaint was against 11 people including former State Health Minister KK Shailaja, the then Health Secretary Rajan N. Khobragade, MD of Medical Services Corporation Balamurali, former General Manager of Medical Services Corporation SR Dileep and private company representatives.
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