CBI awaiting nod to act on the high and mighty

The Central Bureau of Investigation is awaiting sanction for prosecution of 36 high-ranking officials, whose names figure in alleged corruption cases including Hyderabad's Emaar MGF land deal and National Rural Health Mission scam, for over four months. 

As per the norms, sanction for prosecution has to be decided within four months time of the CBI seeking such a permission.

Of the total of 20 graft cases involving 36 officials, the highest number of eight requests are pending in Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, which acts as nodal authority to coordinate with other departments to speed up sanction for prosecution, said a latest data by the Central Vigilance Commission, which supervises CBI probe in corruption cases.

Two each such cases are pending in Bank of India and Industrial Development Bank of India and one each in State Bank of India, UCO Bank, Canara Bank, United India Insurance Company Ltd, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Housing Urban & Poverty Alleviation, Urban Development Ministry and Delhi Jal Board, it said.

The CVC has already sent a reminder to the departments concerned citing a Supreme Court verdict on granting sanction for prosecution of government officials charged with corruption within a maximum of four months' time, an official said.

Citing the apex court's order, the CVC has said, "Time limit of three months for grant of sanction for prosecution must be strictly adhered to. However, additional time of one month may be allowed where consultation is required with the Attorney General or any other law officer in the AG's office."

A list carrying names and designations of the officials allegedly involved in corruption cases has been put up on the CVC's website.

Any investigating agency has to seek prior permission from the central government before launching prosecution against officers in the rank of Joint Secretary and above.