Madras high court has sought a response from the state on the feasibility of issuing uniform guidelines or a GO prescribing the limit of cash that may be possessed by a government servant while on duty
Madurai: Madras high court has sought a response from the state on the feasibility of issuing uniform guidelines or a GO prescribing the limit of cash that may be possessed by a government servant while on duty. Justice B Pugalendhi observed that in the present day, when almost every payment can be made through digital modes, the necessity of carrying substantial amounts of cash to office requires to be addressed by the government by fixing an appropriate threshold limit. If such a condition is prescribed, it may, to some extent, curb corruption in government offices. “At the same time, the existence of a prescribed limit would also ensure that government servants are not unnecessarily harassed. The government has the objective to eradicate corruption, and a guideline framed in this regard may strengthen its objective of achieving corruption-free governance.” the judge observed.
The petitioner’s counsel submitted that the petitioner was harassed for possessing Rs45,000 when she was on duty. This court in other cases, which were filed before this court has found that prosecutions have been initiated by the DVAC even for possession of Rs1,500. Though a circular was issued in 2009, the same has been issued by the registration department alone.
Therefore, the court expects the views of the government, particularly the secretary to human resource management department, as regards the guidelines available in the respective departments, if any, and the feasibility of issuing uniform guidelines or a GO, the judge observed and posted the matters on September 3.
She was having this money for marriage expenses, according to the counsel. Justice Pugalendhi observed that this is a case registered pursuant to the surprise inspection conducted by the DVAC officials. It appears that there is no guideline or condition in respect of possession of a maximum amount by a government servant while he is on duty. The issue requires consideration at the government level.