A city civil court, yesterday, had nullified its judgement, to former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, in a case relating to the alleged solar scam.

The verdict, directed Oommen Chandy, including six others, and a firm to together pay Rs 1,60,85,700. However, the case will be heard afresh from June 1.

Judge N R Channakeshava gave the verdict, after the prosecution, during cross examination of Chandy, failed to provide that the defendant had made changes to the affidavit, which it had received.

The complainant in the case, city-based businessman, M K Kuruvilla, on January 2, had sought some time to study the affidavit. Kuruvilla further alleged that, the affidavit was different from the copy he received.

Chandy along with other members had to pay the huge amount, with 12% interest, for a solar power project, which did not emerge. Chandy had filed two applications, appealing against the earlier verdict.

The first application, had challenged the Court’s ex-parte order, and the second application, sought that his arguments, be heard.

The Court, on January 10, completed the cross-examination of Chandy, after he had replied to several queries.

Earlier, in 2015, Kuruvilla, had filed a petition, seeking return of Rs 1,60,85,700 deposited with SCOSSA Educational Consultants Private Limited, in different installments during 2011-2012.

Kuruvilla stated that, in 2011, Chandy got familiarized with Binu Nair, who claimed to be Director of Kochi-based SCOSSA.

The petitioner had said that Nair had approached him for setting up the solar power project.

Mr Nair had claimed that one of the directors, Andrews, was Mr Chandy's first cousin and would be appointed consultant and operate from Abu Dhabi for setting up the project, the petition stated.

Also, Kuruvilla had named another person Diljith and claimed that he too was a director in the firm, SCOSSA, besides being a youth Congress activist.

Mr Kuruvilla had said, that he has given Rs. 1.35 crore to the three persons. After the money was handed over, the trio did not answer his phone calls and allegedly threatened that his entire family would be eliminated.

Meanwhile, Oommen Chandy, added that he does not have any relative by the name Andrews, or any personal assistant by the name, Diljith.

Chandy, said in a statement, “After I received a notice regarding the case earlier, I engaged a lawyer. But, thereafter no notices were received. I am sure that I could prove innocence in the case. Further steps in this regard will be initiated soon.”

Kerala CM firm on liquor policy

By Supraja