Adarsh scam inquiry committee working without salary

The state government, which ordered formation of the two-member Commission headed by retired High Court Justice J A Patil with former chief secretary P Subramanian as its member in January, recently got to know that the panel has been sanctioned some funds but they were in for a rude shock when informed that some formalities were yet to be completed for withdrawal of cash, state government officials said.

Among other things, the commission has been asked to go into alleged irregularities in allotment of plot and grant of additional floor space index (FSI) to Adarsh Housing Society.

"The notification for the commission came on January 8. Around 20 persons including the two Commission members were appointed in the commission. But they are yet to receive their salaries," the officials said.

The commission was expected to submit its report within three months from January 8.

However, all the resources, including office space, were given only in February.

"The commission has already sent out summons to all the 103 members of the Adarsh society and has received affidavits from over 60 members. All the commission members are working everyday despite not having received the salary," they said.

Out of the 103 summons sent out, over 40 of them returned as many members had changed their residences. Another set of summons was sent out a week later and the reply affidavits are awaited, the officials said.

The commission, which is likely to seek an extension to submit its report, would look into issues including whether the land was reserved for kin of Kargil war martyrs and violation of Coastal Regulation Zones.

The commission will work like a court, where a prosecution lawyer would be appointed to argue the case, while the respondents may either appear in person, or appoint a lawyer to defend themselves.

The commission's probe would run parallel to the inquiry by the CBI, which has registered a case against 13 persons, including former chief minister Ashok Chavan, for criminal conspiracy, fraud and misuse of official powers.

The society was built on a prime piece of land, allegedly belonging to the defence ministry. It was originally meant to be a six-storey structure, but later it got permission - against rules - to build 31 floors.