VINOD KUMAR KATARIA Vs. CVO MOC

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India 'Constitution' assails the Order dtd. 30/4/2024 'Impugned Order', passed by the learned Lokpal of India 'Lokpal' in C-12016/159/2023- Lokpal/463, whereby the complaint filed by the Petitioner alleging irregularities and corruption in the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training 'CCRT', was disposed of on the ground that the allegations disclosed administrative irregularities and not acts of corruption within the meaning of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 'PC ACT'.

(2.) The Petitioner approached the learned Lokpal on 21/6/2023, by a Complaint No. 159/2023, alleging large-scale irregularities in the functioning of CCRT, including the appointment and promotion of officers, extensions and re-employments granted contrary to the Department of Personnel and Training 'DoPT' guidelines, misuse of public funds and scholarship grants, and engagement of private counsel without requisite sanction from the competent authorities.

(3.) On 29/8/2023, the Full Bench of the learned Lokpal directed the Central Vigilance Commission 'CVC'to conduct a Preliminary Inquiry under Sec. 20(1)(a) of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 'Lokpal Act', and submit a report within six weeks.