Thodupuzha: The CPM district leadership has decided to take action against its legislator S Rajendran for defamatory remarks against Devikulam sub-collector Dr Renu Raj. A

district secretariat press release registered strong objection to the MLA’s remarks, saying they did not reflect the party’s views.

As an MLA, he should have worked with the sub-collector to resolve the issue. The leader’s poor response was unfortunate. District secretary KK Jayachandran assured appropriate action after discussions within the party.

Meanwhile, Renu Raj reacted to the MLA’s comments, saying it was intended to stop her from carrying out official duties as a sub-collector. The MLA’s abusive comment was seen on media, she said. The High Court will be notified of the defiance of its order. I have been legally advised to go ahead with the court’s orders. Additional AG has concurred with the earlier findings. A report on illegal constructions in Munnar has been sent to the AG, the IAS officer added.

Renu has already submitted a report to the Advocate General stating that the MLA tried to stop her from carrying out official duty.

Her report also pointed out that the Munnar panchayat continued illegal construction in its jurisdiction despite orders banning the activity. The report has also sought contempt of court proceedings against the panchayat secretary in this regard, Manorama News had reported on Monday.

Allegations of abetting illegal construction are rife against the legislator and even a construction neer Rajendran's house is under the scanner. The sub-collector has asked the village officer to submit a report on the unlawful building activities in the area.

The Kerala Women's Commission Monday registered a case against CPI(M) legislator S Rajendran for his remarks against the Devikulam sub-collector.

The Devikulam lawmaker had made the remark on February 8 after the young IAS officer tried to stop the unauthorised construction of a shopping complex in the tourist town of Munnar in Idukki district.

Commission sources said the case was registered on the basis of media reports about the MLA's purported remarks against the official.

Television channels had aired visuals showing the legislator making the disparaging comments that the sub-collector lacked brains, had no powers to intervene in the construction as building rules comes under the panchayat.

"She doesn't have brains. She studied only to become a collector. Such people will have only so much brains. Should she not study the sketch, plans. A collector cannot intervene in a panchayat construction," the MLA had reportedly said on Friday after revenue officials tried to stop the construction.

Raj, who was appointed as the Devikulam sub-collector in November last year, Sunday said a memo had been issued to the panchayat on February 6 to stop the illegal construction.

But the work was still going on.

The Kerala High Court had in a 2010 judgement said for any new construction in Munnar, a no-objection certificate had to be obtained.

No NOC was obtained when the construction work of the four-storeyed shopping complex was taken up, she said.

(With inputs from PTI)