SC disposes Lok Ayukta Manipur case
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 08 2023:
The Supreme Court of India has disposed of a Special Leave Petition (Civil) filed against a judgment of the High Court of Manipur in relation with fund misappropriation in Manipur State Power Corporation Limited (MSPCL).
A bench of Justice KM Joseph and Justice JB Pardiwala conducted hearing of the petition on February 3.In its observation, the apex court said, "...as the High Court has made the interim order absolute, we are not inclined to interfere with the impugned order".
"Without expressing any view on the merits of the contentions of the parties, we only request the High Court to dispose of the writ petition itself within a period of three months from the date of production of the copy of this order before the High Court.
The special leave petition is disposed of accordingly.
Pending applications, if any, also stand disposed of," the SC order said.
Mention may be made that the High Court of Manipur had dismissed a writ petition filed by the Manipur Lokayukta in connection with irregularities in Manipur State Power Corporation Limited (MSPCL) to vacate, set aside, modify and not to extend any further the interim order dated 29.09.2022 passed in WP(C) No 833 of 2022, which is in operation.
The court of justice MV Muralidaran in its judgment dated December 19, observed that there is no merit in MC (WP) No 346 of 2022 and accordingly dismissed it.
Thus, the interim order dated 29.9.2022 passed in WP (C) No.833 of 2022 is made absolute till the disposal of the writ petition.
The petition is related with Complaint Case No 5 of 2022 filed to Manipur Lokayukta by one Ng Ibotombi of Oinam Bazar Makha Leikai in connection with laying of a 33KV transmission line of 20 km from New Chayang to Sugnu.
The complainant alleged that the transmission line was commissioned by tapping only 3 km from existing 33KV New Chayang-Joupi line at Khongnang Phaisabi and embezzled the funds and materials for the remaining 17 km.
After perusal of the submissions from both sides, the court had observed that there is no valid ground to vacate and/or modify the interim order of the Court dated 29.9.2022 .