The Delhi High Court has recently sought a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Police with regard to a plea alleging irregularities by the former officers of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

A Single Bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma ordered, “Issue notice. Mr. Manoj Pant, learned APP accepts notice on behalf of respondent no.1/State and seeks time to file Status Report. Let Status Report be filed at least three days prior to the next date of hearing. … Mr. Ripu Daman Bhardwaj, learned SPP accepts notice on behalf of respondent no. 6/CBI and seeks time to file Status Report. Let Status Report be filed at least three days prior to the next date of hearing.”

The plea was filed by an NGO named Janhit Abhian- A Campaign For People Voice contending that disinfectants and fogging solutions were procured for AIIMS trauma centre at exorbitant rates without any quotation by certain former officers including the then Chief of the institute.

Advocate Rudra Pratap appeared for the petitioner while APP Manoj Pant, SPP Ripu Daman Bhardwaj and Advocate Abhinav Bhardwaj appeared for the respondents.

In this case, the said NGO i.e., the petitioner claimed that the officers conspired with each other and caused loss to the exchequer by embezzlement of funds in violation of rules laid down in the Central Government Finance Rules. It was further alleged that the firm from which the purchases were made at higher rates was owned by the son and daughter-in-law of the ex-store officer.

It was also claimed by the petitioner that the disinfectants and fogging solutions were bought from the firm without any tender or quotation based on a forged propriety certificate. Hence, a complaint was filed before the Trial Court seeking action against the same but the Court dismissed it as a result of which the petitioner moved to the High Court.

The High Court in the above regard directed, “Issue notice to respondent nos. 2 to 5 through all permissible modes including electronically, on filing Process Fee within four weeks, returnable on 14.09.2023.”

Accordingly, the Court listed the matter next on September 14, 2023.

Cause Title- Janhit Abhian- A Campaign For People Voice v. State of NCT Delhi & Anr.

Click here to read/download the Order