Hyderabad HC expresses concern at graft rampant

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court has expressed concern at the rampant corruption in engineering wings of the government.

Justice Challa Kodandaram made the observation while allowing a petition by M. Raji Reddy of Karimnagar district seeking declare as illegal the failure of the TS irrigation department authorities to release payments to him for canal works already completed.

The judge said, “This court is not oblivious to the fact that widespread corruption exists in engineering and other departments and the weapon of not processing bills is often used for collection of what is known as “mamool” on a percentage basis, often times going up to 10 per cent to 15 per cent of the estimated work.”

He continued: “This court can also take notice of the inflated estimates that are coming before it on administrative side, in connection with various constructions that are being proposed and taken up for judicial department, sometimes construction cost going up to '4,500 to '6,000 per sq. ft.”

Referring to the allegation by the petitioner that the deputy EE and junior engineer demanded bribe for clearing the bill, the judge said, “Though there is no concrete material before this Court about the alleged illegal gratification demands, the deafening silence maintained by the chief engineer, superintendent engineer and executive engineer and absence of response is appalling and deplorable and lends credence to the allegations of the petitioner.”

The judge said: “This court only hopes and trusts that the higher officials and departments required to be vigilant bestow attention necessary to ensure the public monies are used in prudent manner.”

Ruling the petitioner was entitled to receive payment of Rs 4.48 lakh, the judge ordered the petitioner be paid the amount within eight weeks with simple interest at the rate of 6 per cent with effect from July 19, 2010 till the date of payment.