Chidambaram hails SC observation on sanction of prosecution

New Delhi, Jan 31: Home Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court's observation on sanctioning of prosecution of public servants, saying that the apex court has explained the "legal position" in this regard.

"This does not concern the Ministry of Home Affairs directly since it arises out of a criminal law, I will answer it....I have not read the judgement but what I have gathered is the court has said...the court has explained a legal position on sanction and has laid down guidelines to the competent authorities for grant of sanction," Chidambaram said at his monthly press confernce.

"I think to an extent the Court (Supreme Court) has explained the legal position and its laid down guidelines that is a welcome decision. All sanctioning authorities will now have to follow the guidelines of the Supreme Court but I am told that because the charge sheets (in 2G case) have already been filed, the Court does not issue the writ of 'mandamus' as prayed for or issue any further directions. I have not yet read the full text of the judgement," he said when asked to comment on the SC observation.

The Supreme Court today held that filing of a complaint under the Prevention of Corruption Act is a constitutional right of a citizen and the competent authority decide within a time frame on granting sanction of prosecution of a public servant.

PTI