In a landmark decision the Apex Court has decreed that State Accountability Commission has and can exercise suo-moto powers in the interests of good governance. State Accountability Act came into force in 2002. The purpose was to hold state authorities accountable for various acts of omission and commission if these violated the established law and practices, The dispute over suo-moto powers of the SAC erupted when a former Minister of J&K Dr Manohar Lal Sharma challenged the exercising of suo-moto powers by the SAC decreed by the Division Bench of the State High Court in the Apex Court Apex court rejected the appeal and established the powers of the SAC to take up suo-moto case.
The fact of the matter is that under suo-moto powers SAC can initiate investigation into an alleged case of corruption, malpractice and bribery etc. It is but natural that those who have been drawing illegal benefits from their official positions and have been alleged to have embezzled Government funds or perpetrated bribery and other like offences would not want to be brought to the book. If confidential letters and complaints are brought to the notice of the SAC, it is empowered to look into these and conducts an enquiry, states the order of the Apex Court.
We highly appreciate the decision of the Apex Court as it is a big step towards forestalling corruption and ensuring good governance. Now, armed with suo-moto powers SAC should now make sensible and judicious use of these powers and make its contribution in stamping out corruption from the administrative structure.
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