FINANCE MINISTRY SHUNTS OUT ED OFFICER, DEFIES SC
Wednesday, 11 December 2013 | J Gopikrishnan | New Delhi
In a brazen violation of the Supreme Court’s order that seeks continuation of officials connected with the probe into the 2G scam and the Aircel-Maxis deal, the Finance Ministry has not given extension to Rajeshwar Singh, Chief Investigating Officer of Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Both Chief Investigating Officers of the CBI and the ED have been directly reporting to the apex court’s 2G Bench for the past three years. Before Singh’s tenure ended in October, 2013, the ED Director sent a proposal to the Finance Ministry to extend his (Singh’s) tenure in ED by one more year, but the Finance Ministry rejected it.
According to highly placed sources, the Finance Ministry also did not approve the UPSC order to accommodate Singh permanently in ED. Rajeshwar Singh belongs to the Uttar Pradesh Police Service and joined Enforcement Directorate six years ago. Last year, the UPSC approved his permanent posting in the ED and sent the related recommendation to the Finance Ministry for approval. Singh is a Deputy Director in-charge of Delhi Unit and on leave currently.
Singh had ruffled the feathers of several Corproate barons during the probe into money trail in the 2G scam. He had also been involved in the questioning of controversial lobbyist Nira Radia. After he summoned Radia for questioning, more than 100 frivolous complaints were registered against Singh and his family members in various forums and courts across the country. In July 2012, the Supreme Court Bench headed by Justice GS Singhvi and Justice KS Radhakrishnan quashed all vexatious and frivolous procedures against Singh, sensing a “witch-hunt against the honest officer.”
“Is this officer alive?” asked Judges, when senior advocate KK Venugopal told the SC about the hardships faced by Singh from big corporate houses. Sources said that Singh may approach the apex court against his inability to perform his duty as per directive of the court. Justice Singhvi is retiring on Wednesday and a new Bench, comprising Justice HL Dattu and Justice KS Radhakrishnan, is expected to start hearing in the 2G scam related matters from January.
1 comment
Ajith Kumar Verma • 3 hours ago
This is a clear contempt of court. This corrupt and arrogant government should be taught a lesson. All these dubious actions must have concurrence Finance Minister P Chidambaram. Without his knowledge these things won't happen. Without a political boss' support (in this case Mr.P Chidambaram) no bureaucrat have courage to hold UPSC recommendation. It is sure that Congress Govt wanted to block the money trail on 2G.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/todays-newspaper/finance-ministry-shunts-out-ed-officer-defies-sc.html
