HC directs SIT ‘not to precipitate’ case against Mahendra Jain

But he must appear before SIT for questioning, if required

The Karnataka High Court on Friday directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Lokayukta “not to precipitate” until further orders in the case registered against senior IAS officer Mahendra Jain related to alleged corruption causing loss to the State-owned mining company, Mysore Minerals Ltd. (MML) during 2006-08.

Justice Rathnakala passed the interim order while adjourning further hearing on the petition filed by Mr. Jain, who is at present serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department, seeking anticipatory bail after the trial court discontinued his interim anticipatory bail granted to him for a limited period.

Adjourned

Meanwhile, the High Court said that Mr. Jain, during the pendency of his petition, should appear before the SIT for questioning if required, and adjourned further hearing on the petition till July 6 as SIT sought time to file objections.

The allegation against him is that when he was in-charge managing director of MML during 2006-08, he allegedly caused a loss of several crores to MML by selling ore through illegal means.

Allegations denied

While denying allegations levelled against him, it has been claimed in Mr. Jain’s petition that that there is no material to show that he or other officials obtained pecuniary advantage to themselves.

Even the report submitted by the then Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde did not point to any “criminality” in the official discharge of duties by the officers, as the report had only recommended disciplinary proceedings.