RDA Scam: HC asks Com Secy PWD to finalise inquiry within 2 months
TNN Bureau. Updated: 5/19/2018 10:08:26 AM
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JAMMU: In a significant development in the alleged hushing up of Rajouri Development Authority Scam, the State High Court on Friday asked the Commissioner/Secretary to Govt of J&K for PWD (R&B) Department to finalize the inquiry within a period of two months.
The court also directed the Senior Additional Advocate General Seema Shekhar appearing for General Administration Department to produce the enquiry report on the next date of hearing i.e. August, 14, 2018.
The directions were passed by a Division Bench of the State High Court comprising Acting Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sanjay Gupta in an open court.
The court was apprised by the petitioners that the government in December last year appointed Sanjeev Verma (IAS) Commissioner/Secretary to Govt. of J&K Public Works (R&B) Department as Inquiry Officer to enquire into the matter and the inquiry officer was directed to submit his report within a period of one month.
“However, five months have elapsed but the inquiry officer is sitting over the matter and has not concluded the inquiry against the delinquent officer, despite the request by GAD on April 9, this year,” the counsel for petitioner submitted while seeking court to issue appropriate directions to the Inquiry Officer to finalize the inquiry without any further delay.
At this stage Senior AAG Seema ia Shekhar appearing for GAD submitted that she be allowed some more time to file a fresh status report indicating the status of the ongoing enquiry. Senior AAG further submitted that the GAD has sent a reminder to the inquiry officer on April, 9, 2018 regarding the present status of the inquiry.
After considering the submissions of both the sides, the Division Bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Alok Aradhe directed the Inquiry Officer i.e. Commissioner/Secretary to Govt. of J&K PWD (R&B) Department to finalize the inquiry within a period of two months and further directed to place on record the copy of the inquiry report before the Division Bench on the next date of hearing.