The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a news report published in Dainik Bhaskar on December 25, 2024, exposing alleged corruption in the procurement and installation of solar street lights across various districts of Chhattisgarh. The court, in its order dated December 26, 2024, highlighted “sheer misuse of funds” and directed a detailed affidavit from the state’s Energy Department.
The division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal initiated the proceedings under WPPIL No. 110 of 2024, underscoring the gravity of the issue involving substantial public funds.
Background of the Case
The public interest litigation stems from claims that 3620 solar street lights were installed across 181 villages in the Bastar division at an inflated cost of ₹47,600 per unit, amounting to ₹17.23 crores. The news report further alleged similar irregularities in Sukma, Janjgir, Kondagaon, and Kanker districts. Funds from pivotal schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojna and the Khanij Nyas Nidhi were reportedly misappropriated.
Legal Issues
The High Court identified significant lapses:
1. Procurement Process Violations: The Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) informed the court that it was bypassed in the procurement process, contravening established norms.
2. Exorbitant Pricing: Evidence suggested that solar street lights could have been procured for ₹25,000 each, including GST, while actual payments ranged between ₹47,000 and ₹50,000 per unit.
3. Non-Adherence to Rules: The Bhandar Kray Niyam, governing procurement, was allegedly ignored.
CREDA’s counsel, Mr. Devershi Thakur, and Additional Advocate General Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta represented the state authorities in the case.
Court’s Observations and Directions
The High Court expressed strong disapproval, stating that the alleged overpricing and procedural violations point to “sheer misuse of public funds.” It ordered:
– The Chairman and Secretary of the Energy Department to file a personal affidavit detailing the alleged irregularities.
– A review of the inquiry report submitted by the Tribal Development Commissioner, which the Additional Advocate General confirmed was completed but unavailable in court.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 9, 2025.
Key Quotes from the Judgment
– “The alleged misuse of funds ranging between ₹47,000 to ₹50,000 per solar street light instead of the justifiable ₹25,000 is a serious breach of public trust.”
– “The procurement process overlooked critical safeguards, resulting in massive financial discrepancies.”
