The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday directed the principal secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD) to transfer chief engineer Sanjay Muske out of the Bhopal zone, citing concerns that he could influence an ongoing departmental inquiry. The order came a day after Muske was transferred to national highways following allegations of embezzlement of over Rs 2.40 crore sanctioned for a 1000-bed hospital in Gwalior and the collapse of a bridge in Seoni district.
Petition Filed by Colleague
The court's directive was issued in response to a petition filed by P C Verma, a colleague of Muske in the PWD. Verma challenged the additional charge of the bridge division given to Muske by the principal secretary on April 29, 2025. Verma argued that Muske, despite a highly questionable service record, had been given two additional charges—chief engineer of Bhopal zone and the bridge division—violating government policy that prohibits giving additional charge to officials facing serious corruption charges.
Background of the Case
Verma himself was removed as chief engineer in-charge of the bridge division over an alleged wrong evaluation of a technical bid during a tender process. He claimed that Muske's appointment to the bridge division was improper and could allow him to influence the inquiry into the bridge collapse and other corruption allegations.
Court's Observation
Justice Vivek Kumar Singh, presiding over the single bench, observed that the manner in which the additional charge was given to a 'tainted' officer like Muske had 'shocked' the conscience of the court. The judge noted that this would enable Muske to influence the departmental inquiry against him. The court also criticized the principal secretary for taking the court's directive 'lightly' and attempting to 'shield' Muske in his reply to the court's request for an affidavit.
Order Set Aside
Setting aside the April 29 order of the principal secretary, the judge stated that it could not be sustained as it was vitiated by 'arbitrariness, malafides, and malice in law' and was in direct contravention of the government's binding circulars. The court directed that Muske be transferred out of the Bhopal zone to ensure a fair inquiry.
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