T’puram: Devaswom special pleader K B Pradeep has resigned from his post following a major controversy over his appointment, forcing the V D Satheesan govt to reverse yet another decision within weeks of assuming office.The resignation came after widespread criticism over Pradeep’s appointment as a special pleader for devaswom cases. Satheesan is learnt to have sought his resignation amid mounting political pressure and criticism from within the ruling coalition.The controversy centres on Pradeep’s role as counsel for Smart Creations, a firm linked to the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case. The issue gained prominence after allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in gold-plating works at Sabarimala, a matter that was highlighted by the UDF while in opposition.Following the emergence of the allegations, Pradeep had publicly defended Smart Creations, arguing that the company lacked the technology required to apply a fresh layer of gold over an already gold-plated surface and insisting that no irregularities had taken place.Despite this, the govt recently included Pradeep in its panel of special govt pleaders and entrusted him with handling devaswom-related cases. In the absence of a standing counsel for devaswom boards, the appointment effectively placed the responsibility for all major devaswom litigation under his charge.The decision immediately attracted criticism as the investigation into the alleged Sabarimala gold theft remains ongoing. No chargesheet has yet been filed, prompting opposition parties and critics to question the propriety of appointing a lawyer who had represented a party connected to a case that is still under investigation.The episode marks the second major appointment-related controversy faced by the govt within 25 days of taking office. Earlier, Benny Thomas, the brother-in-law of KPCC president and power minister Sunny Joseph, too quit from the minister’s personal staff following public criticism.The latest controversy has reportedly sparked unease within Congress ranks. Several party leaders distanced themselves from the appointment, with Joseph stating that the party had no prior knowledge of the decision. Devaswom minister K Muraleedharan also indicated that his department had not been consulted, raising further questions about the process through which the appointment was made.Attention has now turned to the law department, which functions under Satheesan and is responsible for preparing panels of govt advocates before they are placed before the cabinet for approval. Critics have questioned how the recommendation was cleared and whether adequate scrutiny was exercised before the cabinet endorsed the appointment.