Advocate Saiby Jose Kidangoor has been reinstated as the President of the Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) following a unanimous decision by the Executive Committee. This reinstatement comes after the State Police informed the Kerala High Court that they were dropping all charges against him, and the Special Investigation Team submitted its closure report.
Also read- Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker Reflects On Controversial Transfer At Farewell (lawchakra.in)
The case against Kidangoor originated from a Facebook post by a lawyer alleging that
Kidangoor had been collecting large sums of money from clients, including celebrities, claiming he would use it to bribe several judges.
This led to an investigation by the High Court’s vigilance wing, which found prima facie evidence supporting these allegations. The vigilance report was subsequently handed over to the Kerala Police for further investigation.
However, a detailed probe by the Police found no evidence against Kidangoor. On November 13, the State government informed the High Court of its decision to drop all charges. Additionally, another case registered against Kidangoor was quashed by the High Court in August of the same year.
Kidangoor’s initial resignation from the presidency of the KHCAA earlier this year was prompted by allegations of collecting money for bribing judges. An FIR was registered against him under Section 7(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code. He had also approached the Court to quash the FIR and stay all proceedings. In response, the Bar Council of Kerala initiated suo moto disciplinary proceedings against him.
The decision to reappoint Advocate Saiby as the President of the Executive Committee of KHCAA is based on Rule 12 of the KHCAA bye-law. This rule allows the Executive Committee to fill a casual vacancy by co-option from among the members of the Association.
The reinstatement of Advocate Saiby Jose Kidangoor as the President of the KHCAA marks a significant turn in the events that unfolded following the allegations against him. His return to the position reflects the closure of the legal challenges he faced and the confidence of the KHCAA in his leadership.