The Madras HC directed a writ petitioner to implead the CBI/CVC in a case against the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The court said it wanted to hear the CBI or the Chief Vigilance Commission (CVC) before passing orders on a PIL seeking a thorough probe into the irregularities in the establishment of `97.5-crore centre of excellence at Nagpur.
The ICAI was supposed to be the apex board to regulate the affairs of the body and to monitor the functioning of its members. It also exercised disciplinary jurisdiction over its members. In case the apex body itself violated financial discipline, it was really a serious matter, said Justice KK Sasidharan last week. The records indicated that all was not well with the statutory body. The council members had expressed their strong views against the president and secretary on account of entering into certain financial dealings without taking the council into confidence. The transaction was not confined to the centre of excellence at Nagpur; there were land dealings involving substantial amounts, the judge said.
In his PIL, V Venkata Siva Kumar wanted the court to order a probe by the CBI or the CVC into the project and unravel the irregularities, conspiracy and criminal breach of trust committed by the president and other office bearers of ICAI.
Minutes of the meeting revealed that ICAI secretary had told the members that CVC regulations were not applicable to ICAI. Justice Sasidharan said though a CBI/CVC probe was sought neither of them had been included as party to PIL proceedings. He then ordered that they be impleaded as parties so that the views could be heard before a final order could be passed.
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