Kerala former minister may be freed

Pillai is currently undergoing treatment for multiple diseases at a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. As many as 2,500 inmates of various prisons in the state will also get reduction in the prison term as per the order of the state government.

Pillai was sentenced to one year rigorous imprisonment by the Supreme Court in a case filed by Kerala opposition leader V S Achuthanandan in connection with the Edamalayar irrigation scheme in the state. The court had found Pillai guilty of conspiracy which caused a loss of over Rs 2 crore to the government by awarding contracts at high rates.

While Achuthanandan termed the decision of the government a mockery of Supreme Court decision, the ruling United Democratic Front said the decision was taken following all legal norms.