AI Structured Summary
Not yet generated for this judgment
Judgment
I.P. Mukerji, CJ
This public interest litigation (PIL) has some history. Numerous orders have been passed from time to time. The subject-matter of this litigation is alleged misuse of power and authority by an Assistant Inspector General of Police, the private respondent in the writ petition.
He is accused of irregularly procuring about 29 vehicles for the police department, keeping them in his custody and misutilizing them.
Upon the writ petitioners filing this PIL, the bench at that time entertained and admitted it by an order dated 30th September, 2022. Thereafter, from time to time we find that orders have been passed closely monitoring the departmental proceedings together with criminal cases which have been initiated against this officer.
A report was called for by the Court from the authorities indicating the progress of the enquiry.
Today, we are informed by the learned Advocate General that out of 43 witnesses for the prosecution in the departmental enquiry, 41 have been examined and two are not available. Therefore, examination of the prosecution witnesses is complete.
We are also told that the charge-sheet in the criminal cases has been framed against the officer. He was arrested, was detained and is now enlarged on bail.
We have taken all these facts into account.
We are of the view that the purpose of the PIL has been served. The Court was moved on the allegation that the authorities were not vigilant enough to initiate action with regard to the above alleged wrong doing by the delinquent. The Court intervened.
We find that by the passage of about two years substantial steps, as desired by the Court have been taken. Therefore, this matter does not need any further prodding by the Court, in our opinion.
We dispose of this PIL by directing that the departmental proceedings be concluded as soon as possible preferably by 31st March, 2025. We also direct that the criminal cases be disposed of within that period preferably.
Any person hereafter aggrieved is at liberty to approach the ordinary courts of law for the remedy that may be available to him or her.