Kerala HC directs State to decide on appointment of expert panel to probe alleged irregularities in digital re-survey

The Kerala High Court has directed the State government to decide on the constitution of an expert committee to probe the alleged irregularities in the digital re-survey conducted during the previous government’s tenure.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V.M. Syam Kumar passed the order on a petition by Congress leader Shaji J. Kodankandath, alleging that irregularities in the digital survey equipment tenders caused a loss of ₹150 crore to the public exchequer and seeking a Vigilance investigation into the matter.

Revenue department Joint Secretary N.C. Santhosh informed the court that the constitution of the expert committee, as suggested by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) Director, was under the active consideration of the government, and that a decision would be taken soon. The VACB Director had also recommended that the Committee include experts from various fields.