Allahabad HC seeks status report of CBI probe into MNREGA scam

The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court has directed CBI to submit a status report on the investigation and related proceedings of MNREGA scam in Uttar Pradesh.
A division bench of Justice Devi Prasad Singh and Justice Ajay Lamba passed the order on a PIL pending for compliance of an earlier judgment and order passed on it.
Earlier, the court had handed over the investigation into the multi-crore rupee MNREGA scam in UP to CBI and is monitoring the same.
On the request of CBI, the court had directed the state government to provide adequate police staff and an office place of 10,000 square feet in Lucknow to the agency for investigation.

On January 15, on behalf of the state government the court was informed that as per earlier orders CBI has been provided a space measuring 9414.39 sq ft at Sri Kansiram Ji Green Eco Garden, Lucknow.
"However, we restrain the state government from compelling CBI to vacate the premises in question unless alternative accommodation of equal area is provided. The premises shall remain in possession of CBI till its requirement is satisfied," the court ordered.

The court further said the state government shall deploy adequate security staff round the clock at the place in question with immediate effect.
"The government shall provide all required assistance to CBI and shall also provide all documents including the reports and materials in pursuance to enquiry conduct by any other agency or the state government itself with in three weeks," it further orderd.

The court directed to list the matter in the second week of February for filing progress report and for further hearing.