'Vigilance Has Sought Sanction', State Tells Kerala High Court In KSU Leader's Plea For Probe Into PP Divya's Alleged Benami Deals

The Kerala government on Tuesday informed the High Court that the Vigilance Department has sought prior approval from the government to look into the alleged benami deals of former Kannur district panchayat president P.P. Divya.

As per Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, prior approval of the state government is required to conduct investigation into an offence under the Act alleged to have been committed by a current or former employee.

The Court was considering a plea by Kerala Students Union (KSU) Vice-President, Muhammed Shammas P., seeking a direction for preliminary vigilance inquiry into the alleged benami dealings based on his representation (Exhibit P9) to the 3rd respondent (Director General, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau). 

In Exhibit P9 complaint, the petitioner has alleged that Carton India Alliance Private Limited, a non-government company, is a benami firm of Divya and the registered directors are merely name lenders. It also alleged that the company was incorporated to facilitate it to take up public works of the District Panchayath for their pecuniary gains.

Justice A. Badharudeen observed,

"Public Prosecutor submitted that on 8.7.2025, Vigilance forwarded the matter for getting approval under Section 17A to the government and any steps on P9 is permissible only after getting prior approval as requested. Having considered the submission, this matter stands adjourned to 18.9.2025 to get further instructions regarding the progress of the request."

The case will be heard again on September 18.

The petition is moved by Baiju Noel, T.S. Likhitha, Neha Maria, Grace Mariya Geogy.

Case No: WP(Crl.) 1097/ 2025

Case Title: Muhammed Shammas P. v. State of Kerala and Ors. 

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