CAT REFUSES TO GIVE RELIEF TO NAVIN MITTAL

The Hyderabad Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) on Friday refused to grant interim relief sought by Naveen Mittal, IAS, the former collector of Hyderabad.

Naveen Mittal, who is now the special commissioner of GHMC, approached the CAT challenging a charge memo issued to him by the government for initiating disciplinary proceedings for alleged involvement in regularising prime land and buildings in the city in favour of private parties.

The government issued the memo on October 23, 2012 on the basis of the decisions taken by him as collector of Hyderabad district. The memo charged him with causing huge loss to the state.

Mr Naveen argued that he had done his duty in accordance with rules and in accordance with court orders. He blamed his successor N. Gulzar as it was he who prepared the draft charges against him at the behest of the government. He urged the tribunal to grant an interim order by staying the charge memo.

Ms Manjula, the counsel representing the government objected to the plea and said that the charge memo was issued in October 2012 and the officer moved the tribunal in February 2013.

The Bench comprising Justice P. Swaroop Reddy, vice-chairman of the tribunal and P.K. Basu, member administration refused the interim order and directed the government to file a counter affidavit in four weeks.