SHILLONG:
The High Court of Meghalaya has expressed concern that inquiries into scams are often swept under the carpet and the guilty are seldom taken to task.
The court was hearing a PIL on the alleged illegal procurement of vehicles by some officials of the Police department filed by two residents of Shillong.
“Unfortunately, the greater scam in this country is not in the scams themselves, but in the inquiries that follow the scams. More often than not, tonnes of paper are wasted to bury the truth and seldom have the guilty been taken to task or any attempt made to recover the public money that was wasted,” the division bench of the Court stated. “It is hoped that this particular matter does not travel the same established route”, it added.
The High Court also directed the Secretary in-charge Home department to file a report indicating the measures taken, including arresting any attempt by those prima facie found to be involved to remove their assets or funds.
“The State should file a report through the Secretary in the Home Department indicating the effective measures taken, including arresting any attempt by those prima facie found to be involved in the racket to remove their assets or funds. Such report should be filed when the matter appears next on October 17, 2022,” the Court directed.