SC issues notice to Centre, Maha govt on Virk's appointment

The Supreme Court today issued notices to the Centre and Maharashtra government on a petition seeking quashing of appointment of SS Virk as the state DGP on the allegation that he was chargesheeted in a corruption case in Punjab during his deputation there.

A bench comprising chief justice KG Balakrishnan and justice P Sathasivam also sought reply on the plea challenging the three months' extension granted to Virk as Maharashtra police chief though his superannuation was due on July 31, 2009.

The notices were also issued to Punjab government and Virk on the petition filed by an NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) and the Court sought response from respondents within two weeks.

Senior advocate Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the CPIL, pointed out that Virk has been appointed as DGP despite the fact that he is facing two departmental chargesheets issued by Punjab government for his series of misconduct while on deputation there.

Shanti Bhushan said there was one criminal chargesheet under Prevention of Corruption Act and Indian Penal Code against Virk which is pending in a trial court of Mohali, Punjab.

The senior advocate alleged that there were several serious charges against the DGP but he has been granted extension for next three months against the rule.

Virk was appointed as DGP of Maharashtra on March 12, 2009 and is superannuation was due on July 31, 2009.