Mumbai: Why No Clearance For Inquiry Yet? High Court Questions Government About 71 Crore Road Tax Scam
Mumbai, 2nd March 2023: “Why has MPEL, the flagship company of the State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), not yet approved an inquiry into the allegations of embezzling Rs 71 crore from the ‘Infrastructure Developers’ (IRB) company?” the High Court asked the state government on Wednesday. The court also ordered the chief secretary to look into the matter and file an affidavit himself.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has sought permission from the Home Department for an inquiry into the matter. However, the court also expressed displeasure about the delay in filing the reply. The petitioner Praveen Wategaonkar was informed earlier that the matter cannot be investigated. At this time, the government claimed in the court that it was written by mistake and an amended letter was sent to the petitioners regarding the status of their complaint. But the government counsel also told the court that the Home Department has not yet responded to the proposal seeking permission for the inquiry. He also demanded time to clarify the position regarding approval. It was also said that the officers were busy as the legislative session was going on.
Justice Nitin Sambare and Justice R. N. Lajdha’s bench, however, expressed displeasure with the government’s stance. The court also warned that if the court’s orders cannot be followed, it will ask the chief secretary to close the office or impose a fine.
The scam is related to the Public Works Department and State Road Development Corporation. It has nothing to do with the Home Department. Moreover, the petitioners brought to the notice of the court that the Secretary of the Public Works Department is one of the directors of the Corporation. “Taking cognizance of it, how will the secretary of the public department investigate this matter?” the court asked. Also, the court suggested that the Chief Secretary should look into this matter on his own and appoint a senior officer.
