Truth has prevailed, says Kerala CM Oommen Chandy on court decision to stay proceedings against him

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: "Truth has prevailed," said a relieved Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on hearing the High Court's decision to stay vigilance court proceedings against him and Power Minister Arayadan Mohammed.

"Truth has prevailed. Congress and UDF is one and united," Chandy told reporters here on hearing about the interim order.

The chief minister said the allegations levelled by solar scam accused, Saritha S Nair, were part of a "political conspiracy" against him.

Chandy had cancelled all his programmes today in view of protests by students and youth wing organisations of CPI(M) seeking his resignation, and had remained confined to his official residence-- Cliff House.

Considering pleas filed by Chandy and Mohammed, Justice P Ubaid observed that the Inquiry Commissioner and Special Judge (Vigilance), Thrissur, acted mechanically without knowing the nature and extent of its powers.

While deposing before the Commission probing the case, Saritha had alleged that she had paid bribes to the tune of Rs 1.90 crore to a close aide of Chandy and Rs 40 lakh to power minister Arayadan Mohammed. Both have denied the allegations.

Saritha had alleged that the bribe was paid for getting favourable decisions to the Team solar company floated by her and co-accused Biju Radhakrishnan.