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PRATHIBA M. SINGH
Ramesh Abhishek – Appellant
Versus
Lokpal of India – Respondent
JUDGMENT
Prathiba M. Singh, J. (Oral)
1. This hearing has been done through hybrid mode.
2. The present petition has been filed by the Petitioner - Mr. Ramesh Abhishek challenging the impugned orders dated 2nd February, 2022 and 3rd January, 2023 passed by the Lokpal of India by which inquiries and investigation by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) have been directed by Lokpal against the Petitioner, in respect of possession of disproportionate assets.
3. The Petitioner is an ex-IAS officer who served as the Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce/DPIIT as also the Chairperson of the Forward Markets Commission. He retired with effect from 31st July, 2019. A complaint was received by The Lokpal of India in May 2019 against the Petitioner. Vide impugned order dated 2nd February, 2022, the Lokpal directed as under:
"32. In view of the above facts and circumstances, we cannot be a mute spectator to these allegations relating to corruption which should be dealt with strictly. More so when substantial parts of information furnished by the complainant have been admitted by the public servant (respondent) in his affidavits. We, therefore, refer the matter to Enforcement Directorate (ED)
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