Thiruvananthapuram: Serious allegations of mass destruction and illegal transportation of sensitive government documents have surfaced at the Kerala Secretariat. Reports suggest that as exit polls for the 2026 Assembly elections indicated a potential change in power, several departments began a frantic process of shredding files and removing bundles of documents in private vehicles. UDF-backed service organizations have formally demanded a high-level probe into the matter.
Violation of Legal Procedures
Former Chief Secretaries and senior bureaucrats have voiced concern, stating that the destruction of files without following established protocols is illegal. Under the Kerala Destruction of Records Act, each file has a prescribed retention period and an authorized procedure for disposal. The Chief Secretary and Department Secretaries are legally responsible for the custody of these files until a new government takes office.
The allegations primarily center on Secretariat Annex II, which houses the offices of the Ministers for Higher Education, Public Works, Health, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry. Employees have alleged that significant quantities of physical files were loaded into vehicles under the cover of night and moved to unknown locations.
The e-Office Bypass Allegation
One of the most alarming aspects of the scandal is the alleged bypass of the e-office software. The digital filing system uses electronic signatures and automatic timestamps, making it impossible to backdate orders. It is alleged that sensitive decisions—particularly those made after the Model Code of Conduct came into force—were processed as “paper files” to allow for backdating.
“If the e-office was bypassed to create paper trails for backdated orders, it constitutes a serious administrative fraud,” stated a senior representative of an employees’ union. They have called for the preservation of CCTV footage from the Secretariat premises to track the movement of these files.
Political Fallout
With the UDF-led alliance eyeing a significant comeback, the demand for a judicial or vigilance probe into the “file shredding” is gaining momentum. Legal experts suggest that if strategic documents related to major projects or policy decisions have been destroyed, it could lead to criminal charges against those involved, including personal staff of the outgoing ministers.
FAQs
1. Is it illegal to destroy government files before the term ends?
Yes, destroying files without following the specific retention periods mentioned in the Government Office Manual and the Records Act is a violation of law and can be treated as destruction of evidence.
2. Why is the e-office system crucial in this controversy?
The e-office provides a digital audit trail. Allegations suggest that by switching back to paper files, the government attempted to issue orders with fraudulent past dates to circumvent election rules.
3. Which departments are under scrutiny?
While several offices are under the scanner, the departments of Health, Public Works, Agriculture, and Higher Education are currently facing the most heat regarding the removal of files.
