Jamnagar Government Employee's Two-Decade Struggle for Acquittal Certificate
Rajkot: A Class III government employee from Jamnagar, who was acquitted in a bribery case more than two decades ago, is still embroiled in a protracted battle to obtain a crucial certificate from the state government. This certificate would confirm that the state has accepted the court's verdict and decided not to challenge it, a document essential for his professional and financial regularization.
The 1999 Bribery Case and Subsequent Acquittal
Mehul Singala, employed at the Jamnagar city survey superintendent's office, was accused in 1999 of demanding a bribe along with his superior. The allegation involved verifying land ownership rights for a complainant's relative. The anti-corruption bureau (ACB) laid a trap, allegedly caught him accepting the bribe, registered a case, and Singala was subsequently suspended from his duties.
In August 2004, after a full trial, a special court in Jamnagar acquitted Singala and his co-accused of all charges. However, the state government challenged this acquittal in the Gujarat High Court. In April 2015, the high court dismissed the appeal, upholding the trial court's decision and solidifying Singala's acquittal.
Ongoing Bureaucratic Hurdles and Delays
Despite the high court's clear ruling, Singala has faced significant bureaucratic obstacles in obtaining a certificate from the state government. This certificate is required to state that no further appeal or revision was filed against the 2015 judgment. Singala has repeatedly approached the state law department seeking clarity and resolution.
In 2023, he learned that in February 2020, the law department had written to the public prosecutor of the Gujarat High Court. This communication requested a certified copy of the judgment, along with a legal opinion and related documents. His subsequent representations were also forwarded to the public prosecutor with reminders, but no decision or update was communicated to him.
Financial and Personal Impact of the Delay
The absence of this certificate has severe implications for Singala's career and finances. He emphasized that the certificate is crucial for the regularization of his three-year suspension period during the trial. "I am still not receiving the full salary I am entitled to because my suspension period has not been regularized. If I get that certificate, I can make a claim for reimbursement," he stated.
Singala also highlighted an inconsistency in the process, noting that his co-accused, who was his superior at the time, received the certificate without making any request. "By procedure, I should have got it automatically. I kept waiting, but despite repeated efforts, I have not got it," he added.
The prolonged delay has exacerbated financial hardships for Singala, particularly during a challenging personal period. "My wife is being treated at a hospital in Ahmedabad. If I get this certificate, I can claim my arrears and arrange funds," he explained, underscoring the urgent need for resolution.
RTI Application and Lack of Progress
Frustrated by the lack of response, Singala filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act to seek transparency. In response, he was informed that the law department had not received any proposal from the public prosecutor regarding whether the high court's order was to be accepted or challenged. This revelation indicates a procedural standstill, leaving Singala in a state of limbo.
This case sheds light on the bureaucratic delays and procedural inefficiencies that can plague government systems, affecting individuals long after legal matters are resolved. Singala's two-decade struggle underscores the need for streamlined processes to ensure timely justice and administrative follow-through for acquitted employees.
