Kerala High Court Directs Secretary to Decide on CBI Probe in Cashew Import Scam by July 2
The Kerala High Court has directed Biju K., the government secretary in charge of the Cashew Development department, to comply with its order to reconsider granting sanction for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged misappropriation of ₹600 crore in raw cashew imports. The court has set July 2 as the deadline for compliance.
The probe seeks to examine the role of R. Chandrasekharan and P.A. Ratheesh, the former chairperson and managing director of the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation, respectively, in the alleged irregularities that occurred between 2006 and 2015.
Justice A. Badharudeen, presiding over a Single Bench, also impleaded Mr. Biju in a contempt of court petition related to the case. The court warned that if he fails to comply with the direction by July 2, action will be initiated against him.
The court expressed “extreme displeasure” at the absence of A.P.M. Mohammad Hanish, the Principal Secretary of the Industries department, who had been directed to appear before the Division Bench. Mr. Hanish explained that he could not leave Thiruvananthapuram due to the presentation of the Kerala Revised Budget 2026–27. The court accepted his submission but directed him to appear on June 22, cautioning that “coercive steps” would be taken if he fails to do so.
The contempt petition was filed by Kadakampall Manoj of Kollam, who alleged that the State, through the Industries Secretary, had refused sanction for a CBI probe on three occasions. The court’s order aims to ensure that the sanction decision is made without further delay.
