JOY K. MATHEW Vs. CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, a lawyer practising at Pala in Kottayam District, seeks investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the allegations of dishonest and fraudulent misappropriation of the assets of the National Insurance Company Ltd, a Central Government owned public sector undertaking. The petitioner alleges that respondent Nos. 9 and 10, who are the Senior Officers of the National Insurance Company Ltd, being public servants, committed criminal misconduct by fraudulently converting public money.

(2.) The petitioner alleges the following:

(3.) In 2019, the petitioner came to notice that the National Insurance Company Ltd., Pala Branch used to transfer money in the form of fee to the panel lawyers for conducting cases on and behalf of the company more than what they are entitled. In the early months of 2019, on different occasions respondent No.10 transferred an amount of Rs. One Lakh which was double the amount of his legal fees to his account maintained with the State Bank of India, Pala Branch. The petitioner reported the matter to respondent No.9, the Branch Manager. Then respondent No.9 instructed the petitioner to return the money in cash. Thereafter, as directed by respondent No.9, the petitioner gave an amount of Rs. One Lakh to respondent No.10 in cash. The petitioner asked for receipt for the payment. Respondent Nos.9 and 10 evaded paying receipt to the payment.