SC reprimands Ministry of Defence

New delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) The Supreme Court today strongly reprimanded the Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) for trying to shield the culprits in the Rs 2175 cr scandal involving import of coffins for the soldiers killed in Kargil war.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal, and Justices C K Thakker and Markandey Katju strongly disapproved the attitude of the MoD, which has shown no sincerity in investigating the case and taking action against the officials of the ministry as well as senior army officials involved in the scandal.

The scam came to light through the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) dated February 11, 2001, which revealed that the arms and ammunitions of expired date were purchased by the MoD long after cessation of hostilities in Kargil.

The court directed the MoD to file an affidavit within four weeks giving details of what departmental action, if any, had been taken, what is further contemplated against the officials involved in the scandal, whether any officer or officers have been placed under suspension and the details of the departmental enquiry initiated against the culprit.

The court directed the CBI to file status report in a sealed cover within the same time stating therein if any criminal action has been initiated against any of the officers during investigation in 25 cases referred to it by the MoD.

The court also directed that the CBI shall be made a party and shall submit a report regarding the result of the investigation with respect to the progress of investigation in 9 cases mentioned in para 11 of MoD's earlier affidavit filed in April 2006 and also the progress made in 6 major cases mentioned in para 6 of the affidavit.

The court also ordered that details to be placed on record shall contain the details both from the angle of criminality and departmental action taken so far in the case.

Responding to the contention of the Attorney General Milon K Banerjee over allegation of the amicus curiae Rakesh Diwedi that the government was trying to protect the culprit, the court observed, " It is prima facie evident from the snail's pace at which the investigation in the case was progressing, why the court's order be needed at all for taking actions against those involved in such a heinous sandal". The court directed the matter to be listed in September 2006 for further hearing.

The scam in coffin purchase took place in 1999 when the coffins were imported for the jawans killed in operation Vijay. The court was also informed by the petitioner that even the multipurpose shoes were not available for the jawans when war broke out with Pakistan.

UNI AKS/SC AKJ RN1712