State questions probe officer’s authority to file affidavits in case

The state’s Law and Judiciary department has questioned the authority of investigating officer, Sanjay Parande, to file affidavits in reply in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) case.

The state’s Law and Judiciary department has questioned the authority of investigating officer, Sanjay Parande, to file affidavits in reply in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) case.

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In a letter dated April 4, S.S. Shinde, solicitor-cum-joint-secretary with the Law and Judiciary department, said:

“It is clear that Sanjay Parande, who had filed the affidavit, is not the investigating officer [IO] and it is surprising to note how [he] was allowed to file an affidavit.”

The letter was issued when the department was giving its opinion on filing a special leave petition in the Supreme Court against the discharge of Hinduja College principal, Tukaram Shiware, from the case. Parande had filed an affidavit supporting Shiware’s discharge. Sudhakar Pujari, who was initially the IO, objected to Parande filing the affidavit.

Pujari was transferred out of the Anti-Corruption Bureau in 2006. Parande took over as the IO later. Pujari, however, claimed as he was the IO only he was authorised to file affidavits.

Pujari was not available for comments despite repeated attempts. Parande said: “We will place the necessary material before the court.”