Why not hang corrupt officials? HC Bench’s shocker to State

The petition filed by Surya Prakasam of Chennai came up for hearing before a Division Bench of Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice B Pugalendhi. The petitioner claimed that there are no adequate centres in government to procure paddy directly from farmers and hence he sought additional facilities for the benefit of farmers. Further, the petitioner accused the officials of taking bribe of Rs 40 for a bag of paddy in procurement centres.

In a counter affidavit, an official from the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation refuted the claims of petitioner and stated that a total of 862 procurement centres have been existing in the state and efforts are underway to increase the procurement centres. The official also denied the allegation of graft at procurement centres and added that six special teams, formed to monitor and check any wrongdoings, initiated action against 105 officials so far.

Taking a serious note of these statements mentioned in the counter affidavit, which the bench opined that it could not be accepted, asked if irregularities had not occurred, why action was taken against those 105 officials and warned that those furnishing incorrect facts would be summoned.

Further, the bench called bribery as dangerous as cancer. Where the act of bribery is taken in a lighter vein and those shunning bribery are teased as they do not know how to survive, the bench questioned why the corrupt officials should not be hanged. The bench also questioned the government’s action against those 105 officials and about the number of cases filed against them and asked whether any arrest or cash seizures were made.

Meanwhile, the bench took suo motu cognizance and included Secretary to Agriculture as respondent in the case. It also questioned the government’s action based on agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan’s report. The bench after directing the state government to submit a detailed report, adjourned the case to November 9.