HC seeks Centre reply on plea for independent probe into graft

The Delhi High Court today sought response of the Centre and Assam Rifles on a plea seeking a probe by an independent agency into the "cash for contract" issue highlighted in a recent sting, instead of a departmental inquiry.
Justice Rajiv Shakdher issued notice to the ministries of Home Affairs (MHA), Defence (MoD), Assam Rifles, its Director General and its vigilance department on the plea, moved by a member of Assam Rifles Ex-Serviceman Welfare Association, and sought their replies before the next date of hearing.
The petition, referring to the sting carried out by a publication, said it "specifically reveals that some Assam Rifles personnel used to take bribe from private contractors at various levels of contracts/tender for the smooth passage of tenders, thereby tarnishing the organisation as a whole."

Petitioner, 65-year-old Rampat Singh, claimed that after Assam Rifles ordered initiation of departmental inquiry by its vigilance wing, he had written to MHA and MoD for setting aside the decision and to direct an independent probe agency to carry out the investigation.
Since the ministries did not take any action on his representation, he moved the court, Singh has said in his plea.
In his petition, he has sought quashing of the order of Assam Rifles as well as directions to the government to carry out a probe by an independent agency.