Kerala HC upholds govt decision to dissolve Thiruvananthapuram Milma union

Kochi: The high court on Tuesday upheld the state govt's decision to dissolve the governing panel of Milma's Thiruvananthapuram regional cooperative milk producers' union (TRCMPU), dismissing petitions challenging the govt order dissolving the board. The bench of Justice P Gopinath was considering petitions filed by union president K Krishnan Potty and other office-bearers challenging the govt order dated July 27, which dissolved the board over allegations of corruption and financial irregularities. Previously, the registrar of cooperative societies had ordered an investigation into the allegations against the union. However, according to the govt, the governing panel had illegally interfered with the investigation and failed to provide documents and other particulars required for its smooth conduct. An order was subsequently issued to dissolve the panel. Defending the petition, the state argued that a report of the dairy development department director had alleged serious corruption and financial irregularities in the administration of the union, including allegations related to the supply of ghee to the Sabarimala sannidhanam store. There was an allegation that high-quality ghee dispatched to Sabarimala was replaced en route with inferior-quality ghee sourced from Tamil Nadu. It was also submitted that the HC had ordered a vigilance investigation into the allegations. Taking note of the submission made by K Jaju Babu, the advocate general appearing for the state govt, the bench dismissed the petition. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news. Download the TOI App.