In a significant development, retired Kerala High Court judge, Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair, has been implicated in a high-profile Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund scam, casting a shadow over his recent appointment to the Munambam Judicial Commission. The case centers on allegations that individuals were defrauded through promises of heavily discounted goods, purportedly funded by CSR contributions.
Allegations and FIR Details
The primary accused, Ananthu Krishnan, allegedly misled numerous individuals and charitable organizations by offering products like two-wheelers, laptops, sewing machines, and household appliances at significantly reduced prices. He claimed these discounts were made possible through CSR funds from private companies. Operating as the coordinator of the National NGO Confederation, Krishnan reportedly approached various charitable societies, convincing them to identify beneficiaries and pool funds with him. Subsequently, multiple complaints have been filed across Kerala, alleging fraud and misappropriation.
One such complaint was lodged by Danimon, president of the Angadippuram Kisan Service Society (KSS) in Malappuram district. The First Information Report (FIR) registered at the Perinthalmanna Police Station accuses the NGO Confederation and its office bearers of misappropriating ₹34 lakh from KSS between April and November 2024. Justice Ramachandran Nair has been named as the third accused in this FIR, following the NGO Confederation and its chairman, Ananthu Krishnan. The charges include cheating and inducing delivery of property, as well as offenses committed by multiple persons with shared intent.
he Angadippuram Kisan Service Society (KSS) in Malappuram district. The First Information Report (FIR) registered at the Perinthalmanna Police Station accuses the NGO Confederation and its office bearers of misappropriating ₹34 lakh from KSS between April and November 2024. Justice Ramachandran Nair has been named as the third accused in this FIR, following the NGO Confederation and its chairman, Ananthu Krishnan. The charges include cheating and inducing delivery of property, as well as offenses committed by multiple persons with shared intent.
Justice Nair’s Response
Justice Nair has vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged scam. He clarified that he was never a trustee or patron of the National NGO Confederation but had served as a legal advisor to the organization, a position he resigned from in June 2024. Expressing his dismay, he criticized the police for booking him without conducting a proper preliminary inquiry and suggested that the case might be an attempt to disrupt his work with the Munambam Commission.
Implications for the Munambam Judicial Commission
Justice Nair’s recent appointment by the Kerala government to head an inquiry commission regarding the Munambam land dispute is now under scrutiny due to his alleged involvement in the CSR fund scam. High Court lawyer Kulathoor Jaisingh has written to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, urging the removal of Justice Nair from the commission to maintain the integrity of the inquiry.
Broader Impact and Ongoing Investigations
The CSR fund scam has broader implications, with several prominent figures under investigation. Complaints have been filed against Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA Najeeb Kanthapuram and Congress leader Laly Vincent, the latter having recently secured interim protection from arrest from the Kerala High Court. Additionally, an NGO led by BJP leader A.N. Radhakrishnan has been mentioned in certain complaints, indicating the widespread nature of the alleged fraud.
As investigations continue, the legal community and the public are closely monitoring developments, particularly concerning the involvement of high-profile individuals and the potential impact on ongoing judicial inquiries.