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| N Natarajan Photo: Mathrubhumi |
By Nebil Nizar/myidnebil@gmail.com
Thiruvananthapuram: State Information Commissioner Shri. N Natarajan is suspended by Governor H.R Bharadwaj on the advice of the State Cabinet.
The Government of Kerala recommended suspension against N Natarajan on the basis of an enquiry conducted by Additional Director General of Police R Sreelekha and subsequent advice by Home and Law Departments.
Vigilance DySP V.G Kunhan complained to his seniors in black and white along with a audio recording that Deputy Inspector General N Natarajan (as he then was) was pressurizing him to spare VS Achuthanandan, the then Chief Minister, against whom a case was then investigated by him. V.S Achuthanandan, former Revenue Minister K. P. Rajendran, the then Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sheela Thomas and Personal Assistant Suresh were named as accused in the case.
Thiruvananthapuram: State Information Commissioner Shri. N Natarajan is suspended by Governor H.R Bharadwaj on the advice of the State Cabinet.
The Government of Kerala recommended suspension against N Natarajan on the basis of an enquiry conducted by Additional Director General of Police R Sreelekha and subsequent advice by Home and Law Departments.
Vigilance DySP V.G Kunhan complained to his seniors in black and white along with a audio recording that Deputy Inspector General N Natarajan (as he then was) was pressurizing him to spare VS Achuthanandan, the then Chief Minister, against whom a case was then investigated by him. V.S Achuthanandan, former Revenue Minister K. P. Rajendran, the then Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sheela Thomas and Personal Assistant Suresh were named as accused in the case.
Natarajan
was appointed as the Information Commissioner during the tenure of V S Achuthanandan
as the Chief Minister of Kerala. Now when the controversy raked up, VS
Achuthanandan expectedly disowned Natarajan.
‘If Vigilance Report is against Natarajan, then he must move out’, said former Director General of Police M.G.A Ramen in a telephone interview. The Kerala RTI Federation has also requested the Governor to initiate proceedings against Natarajan.
Legal position of this issue is like this. Section 17(2) of RTI Act, authorizes Governor of a state to suspend Information Commissioners in case of malpractices. Section 17(1) of RTI Act says that Information Commissioner can be removed from service only after an inquiry by the Supreme Court.
‘If Vigilance Report is against Natarajan, then he must move out’, said former Director General of Police M.G.A Ramen in a telephone interview. The Kerala RTI Federation has also requested the Governor to initiate proceedings against Natarajan.
Legal position of this issue is like this. Section 17(2) of RTI Act, authorizes Governor of a state to suspend Information Commissioners in case of malpractices. Section 17(1) of RTI Act says that Information Commissioner can be removed from service only after an inquiry by the Supreme Court.
When you take the literal interpretation it seems that the State isnt in fault because the commisioner is not "removed" only "suspened".
ReplyDeleteThe issue here is whether on the basis of the report of the Vigilence can he be "removed "? the Act clearly stiputlate s that the commissioner's "removal " could be only on the basis of the inquiry of the supreme court.
Till date the issue is not brought forth before the honourble supreme court.
Dear Jane,
ReplyDeleteWe understand from other media Houses that Hon'ble Governor H.R Bharadwaj has already notified the Supreme Court regarding Natarajan's suspension u/s 17(2) and requested an inquiry u/s 17(1) of RTI Information Act. National Daily 'The Hindu' says that a Supreme Court Judge would look into this matter. Leading vernacular daily 'Malayala Manorama' says that Supreme Court registrar would inquire into this matter. We hope that in the comming days, picture would be more clear.
Anyways, Former Kerala Director General of Police M.G.A Ramen in a telephone interview asked Natarajan to move out as Vigilance Report is against him.
Regards,
Nebil