Lokayukta refuses to implead Sheila in ration case

Delhi Lokayukta Justice Manmohan Sarin has disallowed the impleadment of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Food and Supplies Minister Haroon Yusuf in a complaint that alleged flagrant violation of rules and regulations by a Congress Councillor having eight ration shops and kerosene oil depots in his name.

The complainant, Achal Sharma, a former Municipal Councillor, had charged that Deshraj Raghav, Municipal Councillor from Bindapur Ward –128, was having eight ration shops and KODs in his name in violation of the laws. Besides, he had alleged that there were five KODs in the names of his brothers, sisters and other relations and another six were being run by the Councillor under licence from others.

Mr. Sharma had also alleged irregularities in the issuance of below poverty line cards in the Bindapur constituency.

Since Mr. Sharma wanted to implead Ms. Dikshit and Mr. Yusuf in the matter, the Lokayukta had sought the reasons for the basis of his allegation regarding abuse of position or the actions being actuated by improper or corrupt motive.

Mr. Justice Sarin said while the “complainant sought to justify the impleadment on the ground that he wrote several representations’’ to them but they failed to take corrective actions indicating their involvement and failing to act in accordance with norms of integrity and conduct expected from them, the complaint was found “bereft of allegations with material particulars against them’’.

Thus the Lokayukta refused to accept this submission.

He has, however, issued show-cause notice to the Councillor and area MLA Mukesh Sharma, who is also parliamentary secretary to the Chief Minister, on why an inquiry not be initiated against them in the matter. Mr. Sharma has been sent a notice because the complainant had alleged that he was actively involved with the Councillor in the activities and recommendations for grant of KODs and ration shops.