Kerala High Court summons top official over prosecution delay in SNDP case

The Kerala High Court has escalated pressure on the state administration over mounting delays in a microfinance case involving the SNDP organisation. Justice A. Badharudeen issued the summons after noting that the Backwards Classes Welfare Department had failed to comply with previous court directions to consider a request for sanction to prosecute a departmental official.

The case centres on alleged irregularities in the handling of microfinance operations, with the court having previously directed the department to examine and rule on whether sanction should be granted to proceed against the official. The department's continued non-compliance with this directive prompted the judge to take the step of summoning the Additional Chief Secretary.

The summons underscores growing judicial frustration with administrative delays in the matter. High courts across India have increasingly resorted to such measures when government departments fail to adhere to bench orders, particularly in cases involving potential misconduct by public officials.

The case reflects broader concerns about accountability mechanisms in government departments tasked with overseeing microfinance and welfare programmes. The court's intervention signals its determination to ensure that the prosecution process moves forward without further obstruction or delay.