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5. The Respondent while defending their case inter alia submitted that the matter relates to large-scale irregularities in the procurement of medicines, surgical items, and mannequin equipment by the National Health Mission/Public Health System, Puducherry during the financial years 2018-19 and 2019-20 involving procurements exceeding ₹2.41 crore. It was alleged that the entire tender and procurement process was handled irregularly by Mr. S. Natarajan, Pharmacist (contractual employee), without mandatory financial concurrence, approval of the competent authority, or adherence to procurement rules. Supply orders were issued directly to dealers, many procurements were made on single quotations, expired quotations were used, purchases exceeded delegated financial powers and approved budgets, and several medicines supplied did not conform to approved specifications, manufacturers, or quality standards. Large quantities of medicines procured without proper planning expired unused, causing a loss of over ₹45 lakh, while mannequin items worth over ₹21 lakh were found unusable and not as per specifications. The inquiry further revealed missing records, improper storage, conflict of interest involving supplier firms linked to the concerned Pharmacist, and possible CIC/UTPON/A/2025/103346 collusion with firms supplying unauthorized and substandard products, ultimately causing substantial loss to the Government exchequer. He further added that based on these findings, disciplinary and criminal actions were initiated, including termination of Mr. S. Natarajan, blacklisting of supplier firms, registration of FIR by Vigilance & Anti- Corruption Unit, investigation by Vigilance authorities and CBI, and arrest of several accused officials and suppliers who were later released on bail. The respondent authority stated that since the matter is under active investigation and prosecution before courts, disclosure of procurement records and related documents sought under the RTI Act by the appellant and other connected persons could impede investigation and prosecution. Accordingly, information was denied under Sections 8(1)(h), 8(1)(i), 8(1)(j), and Section 11(1) of the RTI Act on grounds relating to ongoing investigation, cabinet records, personal information, and confidential technical/financial bid details. The Respondent further contended that similar RTI matters had already been considered earlier and therefore prayed for dismissal of the appeal before this Commission. A written submission dated 26.03.2026 in this regard has been received from Dr. S. Sevvel, FAA and same has been taken on record for perusal. The relevant extract whereof is as under:

10. It was also observed that important procurement documents, including bid documents, were missing and were not handed over by the concerned Pharmacist Mr. S. Natarajan. The medicines were improperly stored by the CIC/UTPON/A/2025/103346 said pharmacist and not distributed effectively, leading to further wastage and expiry.
11. Based on these findings, it has been concluded that there were gross violations of procurement procedures, financial rules, and store management practices being carried out by the Pharmacist Mr. S. Natarajan. The losses incurred were primarily due to negligence, improper planning, non- compliance with rules, and possible collusion of Mr. S. Natarajan with supplier firms. In conclusion, the entire procurement process was found to be irregular, non-transparent, and in violation of established government rules by Mr. S. Natarajan (Pharmacist/Terminated), resulting in significant financial loss to the Government Exchequer.