Lok Ayukta turns down petition against Kerala education Minister

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Lok Ayukta has turned down Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala's petition against state Education Minister Bindu R, accusing her of abusing her position as a minister in reappointing Gopinath Ravindran as Vice-Chancellor of Kannur University, PTI reported.

Lok Ayukta Justice Cyriac Joseph and Upa-Lok Ayukta Harun-Ul-Rashid ruled that there was no definite evidence to substantiate the allegations of favouritism, nepotism and lack of integrity levelled against minister Bindu.

The Lok Ayukta order also said that there was no allegation that the minister was motivated by her personal interests or other improper or corrupt motives while doing her duty as a minister.

Chennithala's petition had mentioned the extraordinary speed with which the reappointment was done on a single day. But the Lok Ayukta order responded to that wisdom dawned late, and by then, time was running out, prompting the appointment in haste.

The reappointment was made as per what the government desired, and with the cooperation of the chancellor, the order said, but the minister has not misused her position.

The Lok Ayukta ruled that it hold that there is no legal or factual basis for the allegations levelled against minister Bindu, and no investigation is needed.

The opposition had been calling for the minister's resignation for some time after allegations surfaced against her on the reappointment of Kannur VC.