Alka Verma-
Published On: October 2, 2021 at 13:20 IST
The Delhi High Court after observing that there is shortage of staffs at the Adjudicating Authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, directed the Centre to fill up the Vacancies.
Justice Pratibha M Singh gave the order after observing status the number of staffs working there and Vacant positions at the Adjudicating Authority.
Justice Singh in her order also directed the Centre to fill the Position through Fresh Recruitment.
The Judge asked for the Report concerning the steps taken to fill up the Vacancies and also asked the Centre about the need of increase in numbers of staff.
The Court further observed that around 230 cases being filed from January to August this year, there was an acute shortage of staff members as also Vacancies are available at lot of levels.
“It is clear that the current quantum of work at the Adjudicating Authority is quite substantial. There is an acute shortage of staff members as also vacancies at the level of the Chairperson, Member (Administration) and Member (Law). The positions of the Administrative Officer, Registrar, and the Court Master are all vacant,” stated the Judge.
While the Lawyer appearing for the Centre argued that the selection process for the Chairperson was underway.
The Court on the other hand stated that, “Since these positions (for Members) have been vacant for a considerable period of time, the Government is directed to take steps for filling up the said posts, within a period of three months.”
Further, the Court was also educated that two position, i.e. Member (Administration) and Member (Law), the proposal to issue the vacancy circular was under consideration.
“If these vacancies cannot be filled up through Fresh Recruitment, the Ministry (of Finance) shall take steps to fill up all these vacancies through alternate means, within a period of one month from today,” ordered the Court after hearing the Counsel.
It should be noted here that currently the Adjudicating Authority is working with an acting Chairperson where as the post of administrative officer and registrar are also vacant.
Also, the Court masters and other staffs are working on a contractual basis.
Click here to read/download order
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