PIL seeks implementation of CVC circular

The Bombay High Court on March 26 will hear a writ petition which was converted into a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking implementation of a January 2012 circular by Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) regarding "rotation of officials working in sensitive posts in the defence services".

The petition was filed by Nathu Dadu Gahin, retired Indian Navy officer superintendent (Grade II), seeking that CVC should be directed to implement its circular which states that officials working in sensitive posts should be transferred every two-three years.

Gahin has pointed out the case of Command Civilian Personnel Officer (CCPO), Manjot Bindra, who has been posted at the Western Naval Command headquarters in Mumbai for the past 16 years.

According to the petition, Bindra has changed his name twice earlier without publishing the same in the gazette. Initially, he changed his name from Manjot Singh to Manjot Singh Bindra. Later, it was changed to Manjot Bindra.

After the circular was issued by the CVC on January 4, 2012, Gahin had lodged a complaint with the CVC in June 2012 seeking action against Bindra. Bindra has been working as a senior official with Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, HQ, Western Naval Command, Mumbai.

Since Gahin did not receive any reply from the CVC, he filed a petition in the high court in December 2012. The court directed the CVC to look into Gahin's complaint. But the CVC asked the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief to look into Gahin's grievance. However, instead of addressing his complaint, the flag officer levelled allegations against Gahin, the petition stated.

Gahin again approached the high court through advocate JM Puranik urging that the CVC should decide on his complaint. Gahin's petition claims that the CVC could not have asked Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief to decide on his (Gahin's) complaint. It further prays that the January circular of the CVC should be implemented forthwith.

While converting the petition to PIL, a division bench headed by Justice SJ Vazifdar had asked Gahin to include Bindra as respondent. 

Gahin has made CVC, Chief Vigilance Officer and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief as respondents.