THE HINDU

Coal Ministry told to inform NLC union about action taken on petition

Updated: September 25, 2015 05:50 IST | Special Correspondent

    

The Madras High Court has directed the Ministry of Coal to inform NLC Workers Solidarity Union, whether any action was taken on the plea filed by its president, who alleged large scale financial irregularities in the state-owned lignite mining and power generating company.

Closing a plea filed the Union’s president M. Selvaraj, the First Bench comprising Chief Justice S.K. Kaul and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam said, “We are of the view that the result of the examination by the Ministry of Coal on the report of the Central Vigilance Commission, whether it resulted in any action or a quietus was put, be communicated to the petitioner.”

‘Ministry did not file affidavit’

While the plea filed in 2010, alleged financial irregularities by certain individuals causing loss to the PSU, the Ministry of Coal did not file an affidavit in the case in the last five years. “Unfortunately, despite the lapse of five years since the filing of the petition, the first respondent being the Ministry of Coal is silent and have not placed their stand on record,” the Bench noted.

Petition based on newspaper reports

During hearing of the case, it came to light that the petition was primarily based on newspaper reports. After the petitioner made complaint to the Central Vigilance Commission, it had forwarded its report to the Ministry of Coal for it to have a look into the matter and take a decision.

The NLC also suggested that if any corrective action was to be taken, it should be by the Ministry of Coal.

CBI probe sought

Mr. Selvaraj in his plea sought for a CBI inquiry into the complaint against certain individuals and the Ministry to take departmental and civil action the concerned individuals who were allegedly involved in the financial irregularities.

Union president had in 2010 alleged large scale financial irregularities in the state-owned company