Surat Municipal Corruption purchases 500ml water for Rs 200: PIL

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Gujarat High Court alleging rampant corruption in Surat Municipal Corruption (SMC) and wastage of public funds by the municipal authorities on private events and occasions. The petition came up for hearing before the division bench of chief justice R Subhash Reddy and justice VM Pancholi on Thursday, which posted the matter for further hearing on November 28.

According to the petitioner Jignesh Panseriya, there is an urgent need for an independent investigation in the alleged mismanagement of public funds so that action could be initiated against the responsible officers. It is the case of the petitioner that municipal authorities should work as per the provisions of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, and not beyond that. Panseriya submitted that the SMC authorities have in gross violation of the Act rendered services like hiring disk jockey and music system, providing food packets, erecting pandals, etc, in several cultural and religious events.

Counsel for the petitioner contended before the court that information obtained under Right to Information Act provides that there was gross mismanagement of funds in payment of bills for various supplies. He contended that 500 ml packaged drinking water bottles which are readily available in the market for around Rs 6 have been purchased by SMC for Rs 200. The advocate also produced several such bills before the court to establish his argument.

PROBE SOUGHT

• According to petitioner Jignesh Panseriya, there is an urgent need for an independent investigation in alleged mismanagement of public funds so that action is initiated against responsible officers. 
   
• Panseriya submitted that the SMC authorities have in gross violation of the Act rendered services.