Shillong, Oct 19: The Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday issued a suo-motu rule of contempt against the Secretary in-charge Home department for deliberately disregarding its order to file a report indicating the effective measures taken, including arresting any attempt by those prima facie found to be involved in the police vehicle scam.
“Let a suo motu rule of contempt be issued against the Secretary in the Home Department of the State for deliberately disregarding an order of this Court, trying to obfuscate the issue and stand as an impediment to a fact-finding exercise in the matter of defalcation of public funds. The rule is made returnable on November 2, 2022,” the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh said in its order passed after hearing a PIL filed by Riewad Vicharwant Warjri and another.
It said the Department to ensure that the rule is drawn up immediately and personally served on the contemnor.
In its order passed on September 30, the bench had called upon the State to file a report on October 17, through the Secretary in the Home Department, indicating the effective measures taken, including arresting any attempt by those prima facie found to be involved in the racket to remove or dissipate or secret their assets or funds. No report or affidavit has been filed by the concerned Secretary.
The bench also directed that a detailed report as to the quantum of the perceived loss, the extent of the abuse of authority, the manner of misuse of vehicles and the prima facie affixation of responsibility should be available in Court on November 2.
“It is hoped that the State deals with the matter with the seriousness that it deserves,” it said.
An affidavit filed by the state informed that the Office of the Director General of Police, Meghalaya, has submitted a report of the Enquiry Committee to the Department on October 11, along with the Article of Charges and Articles of imputation against the erring officer. The Department, after examining the matter with the approval of the competent Authority, Departmental Proceeding against the officer has been initiated.
