Cashew import scam: Kerala HC issues contempt notice to minister K Biju over CBI order for probe

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday asked K. Biju, secretary in-charge of the cashew development department, to appear and show cause why he should not be held in contempt of court while considering a sanction order allowing the CBI to prosecute two former officials allegedly involved in the importation of raw cashew by the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC).

Mr. Biju issued the sanction order on July 2 and revised it on July 6. The court noted that the first order was accusatory and said that the High Court had assumed the role of a trial court in contempt proceedings and that the state was compelled to grant the sanction. However, in the revised order issued on July 6, the state merely reserved the right to appeal.

The sanction order was to prosecute R Chandrasekharan and KA Ratheesh, former chairman and managing director of KSCDC, respectively, on a high court order in contempt of court filed by Kadakampally Manoj of Kollam.

Justice A. Badharudeen issued a contempt of court notice to Mr. Biju and asked him to appear in person on July 10.

Published – 8 Jul 2026 15:49 IST