Delay in investigation of corruption, other cases
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 20: Division Bench of the High Court comprising Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Javed Iqbal Wani has expressed displeasure over the non-filing of the information by the administration of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory with regard to delay in investigation in the corruption and other cases.
The Division Bench vide its order dated July 21, 2020 had passed strictures against the Police and other agencies for non-filing of challans in serious corruption and other cases.
When the PIL titled Court on Its Own Motion Versus UT of J&K and others came up for hearing through video-conference, AAG Raman Sharma sought more time to submit the information. “The information sought for has almost been compiled and we are in the process of finalizing the same and will be placed before the Division Bench very shortly”, he added.
On the other hand, Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed appearing in the connected PIL titled Sheikh Mohammad Shafi Versus Union of India submitted, “there is selective approach in J&K viz-a-viz fight against corruption as big sharks are being spared and children of lesser God and political opponents are being targeted”, adding “the delay in submitting the information is deliberate and intentional”.
Looking into the seriousness of the matter, the Division Bench granted time up to August 26 to AAG Raman Sharma to submit the information as noticed in the order dated July 21, 2020.
It may be recalled that a Division Bench had directed the Commissioner / Secretary General Administration Department, Home Secretary J&K, DGP J&K and Director ACB to inform the court as to why the investigation in old FIRs with serious offences has not been completed till date and challan presented in court and also to provide the name of the Investigating Officers in these old FIRs.
The High Court had also sought the present status of the investigation and also requisitioned reply as to whether there is any system of monitoring of investigation in the FIRs registered and whether there are any administrative instructions for taking action against the Investigating Officers if they do not complete the investigation within the specified time.
The DB had also sought specific information from GAD on the issues of departmental action taken against the Government employees involved in corruption matters and the status thereof. “If no such action was taken, the reason there for and whether any of the officer / official was placed under suspension on account of his involvement in a case under Prevention of Corruption Act and if yes, for how long”, the DB had mentioned in the order.
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