State Which Appoints People For 2 Years And Gives Pension For Lifetime Has Lot Of Money: SC While Dismissing Kerala Transport Corporation's Plea

The Supreme Court today dismissed a petition filed by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation against the decision of the state-owned oil companies to increase the prices of the fuel which was sold to the bulk purchasers.

While dismissing the petition, a Bench of the Supreme Court comprising of Justice S. Abdul Nazeer and Justice Krishna Murari pulled up the State of Kerala that was being represented by Senior Advocate V. V. Giri by stating that, "You are the state where people get appointed for 2 years and give them pension for lifetime. The state has a lot of money."

The Apex Court allowed the state to withdraw the matter and approach the High Court of Kerala instead.

The petition filed before the Supreme Court sought directions for setting up of an Independent Statutory Regulatory Authority which would be headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India as Chairperson and other technical members having in-depth knowledge of the energy sector of India.

A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court is currently adjudicating a PIL related to the appointment of minister staff and related benefits which are provided to them even though they serve only for a period of two years.

It has been alleged in the petition before the Kerala High Court that a person who has served as a member of the personal staff for a period of two and a half years is entitled to receive Rs. 3550 for the rest of his life along with 7% dearness allowance and gratuity.

It is alleged by the opposition parties in the state that the ruling party has been using such methods to provide financial assistance to party cadre using taxpayer's money.