File photo: Kerala Finance Minister KM Mani
Kerala Minister KM Mani will be probed in corruption case, the High Court ruled today, rejecting a petition to stop investigations against the minister.
The court observed, "Whether KM Mani should continue as minister while investigations are going on, is a matter of his conscience... Caesar's wife should be above suspicion."
"Why are you worried about investigations? It concerns public money," asked Justice Kamal Pasha, while hearing the vigilance petition.
Kerala hotelier Biju Ramesh has alleged that Mr Mani demanded and accepted bribe to the tune of Rs 1 crore for renewal of licences of bars which were shut down for being substandard.
"Common man cannot have a feeling that no investigation has been conducted in a case when accused is a minister," the court order said.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy after facing the defeat in Kerala civic body poll had ruled out the resignation of Finance Minister KM Mani, who is a key ally of the United Democratic Front and also longest serving legislator in Kerala Assembly.
Meanwhile, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has demanded Mr Mani's resignation after High Court verdict saying "he has no moral right to continue in office".