PIL in SC seeks enquiry into spectrum allottment scandal

New Delhi, Dec 4 (UNI) An organisation has filed a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking a CBI/CVC (Chief Vigilance Commissioner) enquiry into a scandal of allotting spectrum to service providers in an arbitrary manner, causing colossal loss of over Rs 10,000 crores to the national exchequer.

The petition, filed by Social Action Forum for Manav Adhikar and Ajayvir Singh Jain, has prayed to the apex court to lay down guidelines for bringing transparency in the allotment of spectrum.

The petitioners have also alleged that M/S S Tel has offered over Rs 6,000 crores for the spectrum.

They have also prayed to the court to order an independent enquiry into the scandal either by the CBI or by the CVC against Communication Minister A Raja.

They have contended that the spectrum was being alloted without inviting bids from the public so that best possible price can be fetched through auction.

The petition, filed in the apex court yesterday, has alleged that the Indian Government had announced for the auction of 3 G spectrum but has not done so for 2 SG spectrum which smacks of arbitrariness. The government can not adopt different yardsticks while dealing with valuable and scarce resources and this again shows double standards.

The petitioners have also contended that this shows complete abdication and dereliction of duty by the government which has affected the credibility of the decision-making process. The government is required to follow an open, fair and transparent process while taking decisions which have a bearing on public interest but the decision is shrouded in mystery and secrecy and bypasses due process and procedure which suggest some hanky-panky.

The petition sought directions to the Union Government to place before the court, entire record of the case pertaining to the press release dated October 19, 2007, documents and material which formed part of the decision-making process and to set aside the decision-making process as illegal and arbitrary.

The petition has also sought directions to the government to follow a bidding process and hold a public auction for the allocation of spectrum in the larger public interest.

UNI