Kerala to frame laws to confiscate wealth of corrupt

Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan Wednesday said laws allowing confiscation of unaccounted wealth belonging to public figures and government officials are on anvil.

"In 2003, the centre had instructed the Kerala government to frame laws through which wealth accumulated beyond legal income of public figures and officials be confiscated. But the then Congress-led United Democratic Front kept it in abeyance without taking any action," said Achuthanandan in response to a question raised in the state assembly by three ruling front legislators.

The chief minister added he already acted on that recommendation of the central government and forwarded the file to the state's vigilance director for further consideration.

"We also plan to revamp the rules and guidelines of the Charitable Societies Act because it has come to our notice that many such organisations registered under this Act have accumulated huge wealth," added the chief minister.

Moreover, Achuthanandan also warned of stern action against officials in the ongoing Palmoil case, which is being currently heard in the Supreme Court.

The Palmoil case was registered in 1999 when E.K. Nayanar was the chief minister that accused K. Karunakaran and two currently serving top Kerala bureaucrats among others of a criminal conspiracy causing a loss of Rs.20.32 million to the state exchequer on account of importing 15,000 tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia at an enhanced price.