New Delhi, Oct 25: The Union Home Ministry on Monday night said it had submitted its replies to Delhi Lokayukta twice about the reasons behind the decision of President Pratibha Patil to reject its recommendation for removal of PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan for his alleged involvement in a tax-evasion case.
In a statement, MHA said it had conveyed to the Office of Lokayukta on May 31, 2011, that the President had not accepted the findings and recommendations made by the Lokayukta, to which Lokayukta has sought reasons for non-acceptance of these findings and recommendations together with the comments made by the Delhi government.
“On June 24, 2011, MHA conveyed to the Lokayukta the reasons for non-acceptance of the report,” it said. The Ministry said that on receipt of the information from the Lokayukta's office that they have not received a copy of the reply, a copy of the same was sent again on July four along with the additional documents as required including the comments of Chauhan, views of Delhi government, reasons for non-acceptance of the recommendations of the Lokayukta.
“It is not true that MHA has not furnished the desired information to Lokayukta. Whatever is required under the provisions of the Delhi Lokayukta and Upalokayukta Act, 1995, has been furnished,” the statement said.
Delhi Lokayukta Justice Manmohan Sarin had in February recommended to the President removal of Chauhan from as minister after finding him “guilty” of involvement in protecting a leading resort in the city in a tax evasion case.
After rejection of its recommendation, the Lokayukta had sought a detailed response from the Home Ministry to provide its report as well as the final order of the President so that the case could be brought to a “logical conclusion”.
The Lokayukta sent a third reminder to Union Home Ministry seeking the report on the basis of which President Pratibha Patil had rejected its recommendation to remove Delhi PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan for his alleged involvement in a tax evasion case.
Refusing to accept rejection of its recommendation, the Lokayukta told the Home Ministry to provide its report as well as the final order of the President so that the case could be brought to a “logical conclusion”.
“A letter has been sent to Home Ministry on Thursday asking it to provide the details,” a source told.
