CVC awaits sanction to prosecute 40 officials

The Central Vigilance Commission is awaiting sanction from different departments for over four months to prosecute 40 government officials for their alleged involvement in corruption.

As per the norms, sanction for prosecution has to be decided within four months. Of the total 26 cases allegedly involving the officials, seven are related to Ministry of Finance, four to Ministry of Railways, three to Ministry of Coal and two to State Bank of India, among others. Besides, one case each involving officials of United Bank of India, Dena Bank, Syndicate Bank, Cabinet Secretariat, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions was pending for sanction of prosecution for over four months, according to the latest data of the probity watchdog.

"The departments are regularly reminded of the pending cases. We take up the matter during our regular review meetings as well. A reminder has been sent to the departments concerned citing details of a recent Supreme Court verdict on granting sanction to prosecute within four months' time," a CVC official said. Citing an 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".