HC orders report on disciplinary action against erring officials in all depts
The petitioner stated that the issue pertains to a huge scam committed by govt officials to the tune of Rs2.35 crore, which was sanctioned for adi dravidar hostels in Sivaganga district. From 2017 to 2023, the amount was swindled by officers and staff, and no amount was credited to the accounts of individual students. Investigation revealed that during the period of six years, eight tahsildars served, and with their connivance, Seethapriya had committed the offence.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by A Sakthivel. He stated that govt sanctions Rs100 per month and Rs150 per month for students studying in classes VI to XII and college students. This amount is for their essential requirements such as hair oil, soaps, washing powder and for hairdressing. Based on a complaint by social activist Boominathan, the Sivaganga Town police registered a case. The case was subsequently transferred to the district crime branch unit in Sivaganga. Police arrested Seethapriya, who worked as a revenue inspector, and her husband Ramkumar in the case.
Madurai : Madras high court on Friday directed the state govt to file a comprehensive report containing details of disciplinary proceedings initiated against erring officials in all departments in the state, along with their status and action taken against the officials.
Though eight tahsildars were allegedly involved in the offence, sanction was granted only to prosecute three. The final report in the case is also yet to be filed. Departmental action was also not initiated against the erring officials. Since the people involved in the crime are revenue officials, particularly most of them are holding the post of tahsildar, district crime branch officials are reluctant to proceed with the investigation. Hence, the petitioner moved the court seeking a CB-CID probe in the case.