PIL in Kerala High Court Challenges Padma Bhushan Award to Vellappally Natesan

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Kerala High Court challenging the conferment of the Padma Bhushan on Vellappally Natesan. The case, titled Sree Narayana Dharmaprabodhana Samrakshna Samithi v. Union of India & Ors., questions the decision of the Union government to grant the prestigious honour to Natesan despite serious allegations against him.

The petition has been filed by the organisation Sree Narayana Dharmaprabodhana Samrakshna Samithi. It claims that the award was granted without considering several pending criminal allegations and vigilance cases involving Natesan. According to the plea, these cases relate to alleged financial irregularities and misappropriation of large sums of money.

Vellappally Natesan currently serves as the General Secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP Yogam), a body established to promote the welfare and advancement of the Ezhava community in Kerala. However, on the same day the PIL was reported, a single-judge Bench of the Kerala High Court ordered Natesan’s removal from the post of General Secretary of SNDP Yogam.

The order came after the Court found that the organisation had failed to submit its financial statements within the prescribed time under the law. The decision raised further questions about governance and accountability within the organisation.

The PIL further highlights that Natesan is facing several vigilance investigations involving allegations of embezzlement of crores of rupees. In addition, the petition refers to a criminal case involving charges of abetment of suicide. The case reportedly arose after a close aide of Natesan died by suicide following accusations in a vigilance investigation.

“In all such criminal cases, one common thread is misappropriation of money. It is submitted that the said conduct tells upon the character and integrity of the person,” the petition states.

The petitioner has also referred to an interview given by Natesan to the Indian Express. In the interview, Natesan allegedly criticised the Padma awards system and described it as having become a “purchasable commodity.”

Based on these allegations, the petition argues that the Central government failed to consider relevant facts while deciding to honour him with the Padma Bhushan this year.

“Non-consideration of such relevant materials make conferment of award arbitrary and illegal. Conferring such prestigious awards on undeserving person will erode the faith of the public on such awards,” the plea states.

The petition therefore seeks directions from the High Court to cancel the conferment of the Padma Bhushan on Natesan. It also notes that a representation raising similar concerns has already been submitted to the office of the President of India.

The matter has been filed through advocate D. Anilkumar. The Kerala High Court is yet to hear the petition.