Speaker appears before court

Solan, September 29

Speaker Dr Rajeev Bindal on Saturday appeared before the Special Judge, Solan, Bhupesh Sharma in a case pertaining to his tenure as the chairman of the Municipal Committee, Solan, in 1999.

The court fixed November 24 as the next date of hearing. Sunil Vasudeva, District Attorney, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, appeared on behalf of the bureau.

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau had moved an application on September 7 to withdraw the case registered. The case was registered against Dr Bindal and 25 others for irregularities in appointments in the civic body. The bureau, in its application filed before the court, a copy of which is available with The Tribune, has pleaded that no witness during the trial has named Dr Bindal for having violated the process of selection or having indulged in any corrupt practice in the matter of selection. There is no allegation of nepotism either. The bureau has further stated that there was no allegation of illegal gratification or passing of consideration and in view of inadequate evidence, there were bleak chances of conviction and these were some of the causes for seeking withdrawal of the case.

Sources said the remaining 24 accused had moved an application before the state government, seeking withdrawal of the case registered against them. The government is, however, yet to take a decision on their plea. — TNS