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2015 (7) TMI 1430 - HC - Indian LawsCorruption and amassing of uncounted money - seeking reference to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take up, enquire and register First Information Reports and investigate into the dealings of the ninth respondent - ninth respondent was prior to his suspension, Chief Engineer in New Okhla Industrial Development Authority NOIDA, Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority, Greater NOIDA and Yamuna Expressway Authority - HELD THAT:- In the present case, an important aspect of the matter which merits emphasis is that initially on 13 June 2012, an FIR was lodged in Case Crime No. 371 of 2012 under Sections 409, 420, 466, 467, 469, 471 and 120-B of the Penal Code and under Section 13(1)(d) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against the ninth respondent and one Ramendra, the then Project Engineer and two construction companies. The allegation in the FIR related to the disbursement of an amount of Rs. 954 crores of various departments of Noida in respect of which agreement bonds were executed within a span of eight days. There were various other allegations in regard to the carrying out of work even before the finalization of tenders resulting in a loss to NOIDA. The investigation was transferred by the State Government to the CBCID at the behest of a partner of a construction company which was one of the co-accused on 3 November 2012, following the receipt of a request on 22 October 2012. The essence of the allegation is that the ninth respondent has been able to use his personal proximity in the corridors of power with successive governments in State by indulging in corruption, amassing wealth for conferring favours on himself, the members of his family and business associates. The ninth respondent has, it is alleged, been able to shield himself due to his proximity with the corridors of power both in the previous government and the present government in the State of Uttar Pradesh. There are several reasons why the submission of the State, that based on the constitution of a Commission of Inquiry further action be deferred or held in abeyance, cannot be accepted. Firstly, the terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry are evidently confined to the ninth respondent and ninth respondent alone. The Commission of Inquiry would have no jurisdiction to enquire into wider allegations of the misuse of power or to investigate into the interrelationship of the ninth respondent with other persons in respect of whom there is no reference to the Commission. Secondly, the report of the Commission may or may not be accepted or acted upon by the State Government. A non-binding report of a Commission of Inquiry is no substitute for a proper, fair and objective investigation into alleged criminal offences - There is a serious case to be probed on whether as alleged the activities of the ninth respondent have benefactors in high places in the State who have been associated through their close relatives and associates with the business dealings of the ninth respondent and his family. In our view, having due regard to the admittedly complex nature of the case, the wide ramifications involving corruption by persons in public offices and the gravity of the allegations required to be probed, a fit and proper case has been made out for investigation by the CBI. The Central Bureau of Investigation shall conduct an investigation into all allegations of corruption and amassing of uncounted money by the ninth respondent and in regard to all transactions, persons and entities connected thereto - Petition disposed off.
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