The Directorate of Vigilance (DoV) has issued a show-cause notice to Bibhav Kumar, the personal secretary of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, deeming his engagement as "illegal." The notice references a pending criminal case from 2007 against Kumar and his appearance before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged money laundering case related to a liquor scam.
Vigilance Secretary YVVJ Rajasekhar issued the show-cause notice on Friday. The case against Kumar involves allegations of obstructing a public servant from performing his duty and making threats. The notice reveals that Kumar's appointment by the government is subject to the outcome of an FIR against him under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The DoV contends that Kumar's continued service, given his "criminal antecedents," violates the instructions issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Additionally, the ED had summoned Kumar on February 23 in connection with the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, according to the notice.
“The initial engagement of Bibhav Kumar is void-ab-initio and not in conformity with the extant rules as his engagement is to be governed as per the instructions issued by the DoPT from time to time, which were not apprised by the GAD to the then Lt Governor while putting up the proposal for approval of his engagement in the year 2022,” the order said.
“The services of Bibhav Kumar are liable to be terminated as per the provisions of the Central Civil Services (Temporary Service) Rules... Bibhav Kumar is hereby directed to provide within a weeks’ time from the date of issuance of this notice about the status of the above mentioned criminal case and as to why his engagement shall not be terminated on expiry of one month from the date of issuance of this notice,” the show-cause notice added.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | AAP MLAs want Arvind Kejriwal to run Delhi Govt from jail even if he is arrested
ALSO READ | AAP condemns summons to Arvind Kejriwal by ED
