Retain copies before giving documents to CBI: Govt to depts

All central government departments have been asked to retain copies of documents before handing them over to Income Tax department and investigating agencies like CBI.
Besides, they have been asked to obtain certified copies of officials documents filed in courts.
The move assumes significance as there have been a few instances of official papers going missing amid departmental enquiries or during probes by investigating agencies.
The Home Ministry has set up an inquiry committee to probe the issue of missing files related to the case of alleged fake encounter of Ishrat Jahan.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) had recently issued do's and don'ts for the ministries in matters of "simultaneous action of prosecution and initiation of departmental proceedings".

In cases of serious charges of misconduct, particularly involving moral turpitude, all departments have been asked to take prompt action.

"All incriminating documents should be seized promptly to avoid their tempering or destruction of evidence.
"Particular care needs to be taken for retention of copies of such documents while handing over the same to an investigating agency. These documents may be attested after a comparison with the originals," the DoPT said in a directive to all ministries.
Documents and other evidence must be examined to see whether any misconduct, including favour, harassment, negligence or violation of rules or instructions has been committed. If there is a prima facie evidence of misconduct, charge sheet under the appropriate rule must be issued, it said.

"In case the documents have been filed in a court, certified copies of documents may be obtained," DoPT said.