Kerala High Court seeks clarity on prosecution sanction in cashew import case

The Kerala High Court has issued directions to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) seeking clarification on the handling of a prosecution sanction order in connection with an ongoing cashew import scam investigation.

One of the two accused in the case, R. Chandrasekharan, reportedly produced a government order granting prosecution sanction at a press conference held on July 2, 2026. The public disclosure of the document has raised questions about procedural irregularities and the manner in which the sanctioning process was managed by investigating authorities.

The High Court's intervention comes as part of judicial scrutiny into how sensitive government documents related to criminal prosecution are being handled during investigation proceedings. The VACB has been asked to provide a detailed explanation regarding the circumstances under which the accused gained access to and subsequently displayed the sanction order.

The cashew import case has become significant in light of these procedural questions, with the court's directions aimed at ensuring transparency and adherence to proper protocols in handling of official documents during criminal investigations. The VACB's response is expected to clarify the sequence of events and any potential lapses in document management.