Abuse of power: Lokayukta orders to file case against tax secretary

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state Lokayukta has ordered to file a case against tax secretary Ratan U Khelkar and issue a notice for wrongly interpreting the law and denying promotion on the grounds that a vigilance investigation is underway against the tax department employees. Apart from Ratan Khelkar, the Lokayukta has registered a case against GST Commissioner Ajit V Patel, Additional Secretary of Tax Department Sini J Shukur, GST Commissionerate Deputy Commissioner Sisir SV and Superintendent Nimminath BR.

The order came on a petition filed by Malappuram native Shahid Irfan, a public servant and GST consultant. The Lokayukta clarified that Vigilance investigation against government officials is not a reason to deny promotion and only if an FIR is registered and a charge sheet is issued after the investigation, promotion can be denied.