Kerala HC tells trial court to consider former DGP's plea

Kochi, Mar 15 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today directed the CBI special court to consider the discharge plea of retired DGP P J Alexander in a corruption case against him, alleging amassment of wealth disproportionate to income.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice V K Bali and Justice J B Koshy set aside the framing of charges against the former DGP and ordered that charges need be framed only, if he cannot be discharged.

The CBI filed the chargesheet before the special court alleging that Dr P J Alexander, while in service from April 30, 1980, to Seeptember 20, 1991, amassed wealth worth Rs 62.80 lakh, disproportionate to his income.

Though Dr Alexander filed a petition seeking a discharge from the case, the special court rejected the plea and decided to proceed with the trial.

Dr Alexander challenged the special court order, contending that the charges against him were baseless, illegal and irregular. While remanding the matter to the trial court for fresh consideration, the high court declined to express any opinion on the merits of the contentions for discharge.

UNI XR ARC VD BST1822