High Court orders SP Vigilance to constitute SIT to investigate misuse of MGNREGS
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 29 2020:
Division Bench, High Court of Manipur has directed SP Vigilance Manipur for a thorough investigation to find out irregularities committed during the implementation of MGNREGS in all districts by constituting a Special Investigation Team and take necessary steps for booking and punishing all culprits involved.
The directions were given by the Bench comprising of Chief Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar and Justice Ahanthem Bimol on a Public Interest Litigation filed by Md Meinam Sidique of Khelakhong Khongman, Md Oli of Uchiwa Nastao and Md Wahid Ali of Uchiwa Nastao Makha Leikai against Union of India represented by Secretary Ministry of Rural Development, State of Manipur represented by Chief Secretary Government of Manipur and 9 others as respondents.
During the final hearing of the case on September 11, the Court heard the submission of petitioners' counsel Senior Advocate N Jotendro assisted by Advocate Md Murtaza Ahmed; Advocate General N Kumarjit for the State of Manipur, ASG S Suresh for Union of India and Senior Advocate M Hemchandra for respondent number 8 and 9 (the Pradhan of Maibam Uchiwa Gram Panchayat Maibam Konjil and State Bank of India Thoubal branch).
After the final hearing, the High Court of Manipur ordered SP Vigilance Manipur to conduct a investigation to find out irregularities committed during the implementation of MGNREGS in all districts in Manipur by constituting a SIT.
SP vigilance Manipur should gather all material related to misuse of MGNREGS and also prepare a report, the Court ordered.
The Court order further mentioned that Vigilance Manipur should ensure that necessary steps to book and punish all culprits in misusing of MGNREGS on the basis of the material collected during the investigation and the report prepared, within 6 months.