Mon Dec 02 16:15:02 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Upholds Kerala High Court Ruling Against MLA’s Son’s Job Appointment

**New Delhi, December 2, 2024** – The Supreme Court today rejected the Kerala government’s appeal to overturn a 2021 High Court decision invalidating the appointment of R. Prasanth, son of late CPI(M) MLA K.K. Ramachandran Nair, to a government job. The Court dismissed the plea for a stay, though it allowed Mr. Prasanth to retain the salary and benefits received since his 2018 appointment as an assistant engineer.

The High Court had originally deemed the appointment unconstitutional, arguing that MLAs, due to their elected five-year term, are not considered government servants. Therefore, the “dying in harness” provision, which offers jobs to dependents of deceased government employees, did not apply. The High Court cited concerns about setting a dangerous precedent and violating Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality and equal opportunity.

The appointment, made by the Pinarayi Vijayan government, had been defended as a compassionate gesture but sparked considerable controversy. While Mr. Prasanth will not be required to return his past earnings, the Supreme Court’s decision represents a significant setback for the Kerala Chief Minister. The case highlights ongoing debates surrounding nepotism and equitable access to government employment.

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