New Delhi, Sep 14 - The Supreme Court Monday warned the Kerala government that it would face a scrutiny of expenses on ministers and legislators if part-time teachers were not paid their arrears, pending for 17 years, by this month.

A bench of Justice B.N. Agrawal and Justice G.S. Singhvi gave this warning to the state government, rejecting its argument of paucity of funds.

'We can't go by your claims. If you do not comply with the order by Sep 30, we will have to review the expenses incurred on your ministers and MLAs,' the bench warned state counsel who assured the court that the state would abide by its direction.

'Your chief minister travels by which class, economy or business?' the bench asked in a lighter vein.