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Showing contexts for: 2G SCAM CASE in Common Cause (A Regd. Society) vs Union Of India . on 2 July, 2018Matching Fragments
6. It is averred in the petition that the absolute requirement is that Central Vigilance Officer should have unblemished record of service. The appointment of Mr. K.V. Chowdary, respondent No.2 as CVC has been assailed on the basis of facts mentioned in the complaint. Prior to that, he was the Chairperson of CBDT and Advisor to the SIT on black money. Before his appointment, several representations were made to the Prime Minister of India, who heads the selection panel as provided in section 4 of the Act. As it transpired that the Government had made up its mind to appoint respondent No.2, representations were made giving specific reasons as to why he was not eligible and suitable for heading the Commission. Despite representations, his appointment had been made. Firstly, it is submitted that Mr. K.V. Chowdary had been meeting with the then CBI Director Mr. Ranjit Sinha and had been regularly meeting the accused in the cases investigated by the CBI in the 2G scam cases. This Court had directed on 20.11.2015 in Civil Appeal No.10660 of 2010, the CBI Director not to interfere in the investigation process carried out by the CBI in the 2G scam case and to recuse himself from 2G scam case. This Court had also observed in the judgment dated 14.5.2015 in Writ Petition [C] No.463 of 2012 that Mr. Ranjit Sinha’s meetings with accused in coal scam were completely inappropriate, and his role in allegedly scuttling investigations in coal scam case needs to be investigated.
41. This Court has never expressed dissatisfaction or inadequacy regarding the functioning.
42. With respect to the allegation regarding Radia Tapes when answering respondent No.2 had joined as DGIT (Investigations) on 1.11.2010, the surveillance of Ms. Nira Radia was over. Actionable issues were identified and necessary action was taken either by the Delhi Directorate or was communicated to other Directorates for further action. The information was duly shared with the assessing officers, and other law enforcement authorities such as CBI, ED etc. The matter was before this Court. The representations were submitted from time to time. None of the authorities found any shortcomings or inaction on his part on this count. No such allegation was made before this Court against him by the counsel appearing in 2G scam case.
Respondent No.2 met Mr. Ranjit Sinha the then Director, CBI who was directed by this Court vide order dated 21.11.2015 in C.A. No.1060 of 2010. This Court had directed Mr. Ranjit Sinha not to interfere in investigation prosecutions carried out by CBI in 2G scam case and to recuse himself from 2G scam case. This Court had also observed against Mr. Sinha that the meetings with accused in coal scam were inappropriate. These allegations are against Mr. Ranjit Sinha. However, what is submitted against respondent No.2 is that respondent No.2 had met Mr. Ranjit Sinha, CBI Director on 29.12.2013 and 20.4.2014 for 15 minutes on earlier occasions and 8 minutes on a later date. When the meetings were held, respondent No.2 was probing the interception dealings of Hawala dealer Mr. Moin Qureshi. Mr. Ranjit Sinha, Director, CBI, was investigating Stock Guru scam where senior income tax officers were involved in which Mr. Sinha was investigating the role of respondent No.2. Certain senior income tax officers had taken a bribe to favour two scamsters of Stock Guru and had misappropriated about Rs.40 crores. Said officers were working under respondent No.2. Thus, it was not appropriate for respondent No.2 to meet Mr. Ranjit Sinha. Income tax department gave a clean chit to Mr. Ranjit Sinha in respect of Mr. Moin Qureshi and CBI gave a clean chit to respondent No.2. Thus, respondent No.2 and Mr. Ranjit Sinha helped each other.
POINT NO. (IV)
91. With respect to Radia tapes, the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance opined that the opinion of the authorities has found no fault with Mr. Chowdary. Allegations against him were factually incorrect and baseless. IB has opined that the allegations could not be established in the course of the discreet inquiry. The CBI also found nothing adverse against Mr. Chowdary in 2G scam cases or Radia tapes consequent upon the order dated 21.2.2013 of this Court.