Kochi: A Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed that the Kerala government spent a whopping ₹10.89 crore on various legal battles during the second term of the Pinarayi Vijayan administration. The expenditure includes legal disputes with the Central government over the state’s borrowing limits and payments made to senior lawyers for representation in high-profile cases.
Of the total amount, ₹2.25 crore was paid to external lawyers in four cases where the state government ultimately lost. One of the most notable cases was the borrowing limit dispute, where the Kerala government had challenged the Centre’s restrictions on state borrowings. In this case, senior advocate Kapil Sibal represented Kerala in the Supreme Court, charging a fee of ₹90.50 lakh so far. However, reports indicate that he has demanded ₹2.35 crore in total legal fees for his services.
The information was made public through an RTI response from the Advocate General’s office following a query by activist MK Haridas. The revelation has sparked discussions regarding the government’s spending priorities, especially at a time when the state is facing severe financial constraints. Critics argue that such massive legal expenditures raise questions about the government’s financial management and its approach to legal battles.
The opposition has seized upon the issue, questioning whether the government’s aggressive legal stance against the Centre is financially justifiable when funds could be better allocated to public welfare projects. Meanwhile, legal experts suggest that while hiring top lawyers is often necessary, the state must also evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of such legal expenditures.
With the debate over Kerala’s financial crisis intensifying, the RTI disclosure has added another layer of scrutiny on the state’s legal and fiscal policies. Whether the government will defend these expenses or reconsider its legal strategy remains to be seen.
