G D SINGH Vs. LOKNATH VERMA AND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) AMAR Saran and R. N. Misra, JJ. This case initially came up before the present Division Bench on 10. 1. 2007 when we expressed our dismay that in spite of the case being under the Prevention of Corruption Act the arrest of the petitioner G. D. Singh, a Superintending Engineer in the UPSEB, was stayed on 11. 7. 2002 in respect of an FIR dated 18. 6. 2002 and in almost five years thereafter the investigation of the case was not concluded. We sought an explanation from the investigating officer and directed conclusion of the investigation expeditiously.

(2.) ON 31. 1. 2007 when we were informed by the learned AGA that after completion of the investigation a report was sent to the State Government on 1. 12. 2003 for sanction of prosecution, we were shocked to learn that in over three years the State Government had not taken any decision on the issue of sanction and we directed the State Government to take a decision on the matter within 3 weeks. Realizing that the case against the petitioner was only representative of a larger category of cases, we sought details about the case against GD Singh as well as details in tabular form about the status of other cases which were pending for sanction with it, the period thereof, the level at which the delay had been occasioned and the reasons for delays, if any, in the return to be filed by Director of Vigilance.

(3.) THEREAFTER we have been monitoring the matter, receiving reports on different dates and continually issuing orders in the nature of mandamus as and when required.