SNDP microfinance case: Setback for Vellappally Natesan as Kerala HC says no sanction needed to prosecute accused

SNDP General Secretary Vellappally Natesan Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT

The Kerala High Court has ordered that sanction from the Backward Classes Development Department was not required to prosecute the accused, including Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) general secretary Vellappally Natesan in the SNDP microfinance case.

Justice A. Badharudeen passed an interim order on a petition by MS Anil of Alappuzha to set up a special investigation team to probe alleged misappropriations in loans of ₹15.85 crore disbursed to SNDP Yoga under microfinance by the Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation.

While the state insisted that no impeachment sanction was required against the accused, the vigilance department argued that under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PCA), the accused fell under the category of public servants and sought impeachment sanction from the authority empowered to terminate their performance.

Published – November 6, 2026 1:40 PM IST