CBI awaits HP govt’s nod to prosecute ex-joint director

ACCORDING TO CENTRAL NORMS, GRANT OF SANCTION IS REQUIRED BEFORE TRIAL IN CASES WHERE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ARE INVOLVED IN GRAFT

CHANDIGARH: Nearly two and half months on, Chandigarh branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) awaits the sanction from Himachal Pradesh government to prosecute former joint director of Himachal Pradesh industries department Tilak Raj Sharma in a graft case registered on May 30.

Considered close to power centre in the poll-bound state, CBI probe into Sharma’s alleged wrongdoings also reached the door step of PS Raghuvansi, OSD to HP chief minister Virbhadra Singh, creating a flutter in political circles in the hilly state.

Raghuvansi was questioned, but CBI did not implicate any high profile name in the case except Sharma and his conduit in its chargesheet filed in July at the local special CBI court.

The trial, however, yet to start in the case as sanction is awaited from the chief secretary office, who is legal formality before the judicial process in case of government employees.

Sources said the CBI has sent many reminders, but there has been no positive response. Meanwhile, Sharma was out of bail since August. Chief secretary VC Pharka could not be reached for comment.

WHY SANCTION? According to central norms, grant of sanction is required before trial in cases where government employees are involved in graft. The purpose is to protect the public servant from harassment by frivolous or vexatious prosecution.

An official said in cases where a government employee is caught red-handed and probe agency has evidence, the delay in sanction for their prosecution to the level as witnessed in Sharma’s case, is not usually experienced.

“Due to delay in sanction, the accused is getting time to tamper with evidence and influence the complainant too,” he added.