Devikulam sub-collector Sriram transferred a day after winning court case

It was only on July 4 that the Kerala High Court dismissed a plea challenging the eviction of a private homestay in Munnar.  The eviction order had been issued by Devikulam sub-collector Sriram Venkitaraman and this was highly opposed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

While it was a minor blow for Vijayan, the government hit back by issuing him his transfer papers the very next day after a decision taken in the Cabinet meeting.  The Sub-collector of Mananthavady will replace him. In April when the incident took place Vijayan had warned that 'those undertaking action such as removal of cross should start searching for other jobs. They won't continue as government officials.'

The government has defended their decision by saying that it is promotion and that Sriram had been appointed as the Director of Employment and Training Directorate in Thiruvananthapuram. And normal transfer procedures are being cited as the reason, since Sriram has already completed his four years of service.

Previously also the Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan was against the criticism being heaped on the sub-collector and here as well in the meeting he was reportedly against the transfer. However, his statements to the media show that he sides with the Pinarayi government on this move. 
 

• Munnar eviction drive
• Devikulam sub-collector
• Sriram Venkitraman