Uttarakhand Vigilance Requests Approval to Proceed Against Minister Ganesh Joshi

The Vigilance has sought the Uttarakhand council of ministers' decision on whether to register a case against Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi for allegedly acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The Vigilance informed the court of Special Judge Vigilance/First Additional Sessions Judge Manish Mishra on September 2 that it had referred the matter to the council on July 8, and the council will now decide on it.

Supreme Court's Time Frame

Judge Mishra described the council of ministers as the highest decision-making body of the executive. He noted that the Supreme Court has set a three-month time frame for any prosecution approval. Given this, he stated it is reasonable to wait until October 8 for the council's decision.

The court also directed the secretary of the council of ministers' Secrecy Department to inform it about the cabinet's decision. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for October 19.

RTI Activist's Allegations

Dehradun-based RTI activist Vikesh Negi accused Joshi of acquiring assets through corruption, disproportionate to his known income sources. Negi submitted a complaint to the Vigilance in March this year, including documents detailing Joshi's income and assets.

Negi's advocates, G C Sharma and Anu Pant, stated that the Vigilance's preliminary investigation found the facts in Negi's complaint to be accurate. They are now awaiting the council of ministers' decision on this matter.

The Vigilance has taken steps to ensure transparency and accountability by involving the highest executive body in this decision-making process. This move underscores the importance of adhering to legal protocols and timelines set by higher judicial authorities.

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how allegations of disproportionate assets are handled in Uttarakhand, reflecting broader implications for governance and anti-corruption measures in the state.