MCD commissioner acting beyond powers: House

In 2005,the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had conducted several raids on the properties of Matharoo,who was then secretary to the MCD commissioner,and found him in possession of assets to the tune of Rs 1 crore. Matharoo was then transferred to the post of director (Personnel) in the civic body and was later suspended after the the CBI began prosecution against him in a local court.

Mehra said a sub-committee was set up by the House to look into the allegations. Without considering the findings of the committee,Mehra,however,sanctioned his prosecution. “Why the report was not considered? It was suppressed as per their convenience. Moreover,a letter was sent to the Attorney General seeking legal opinion. The then Mayor Dr Kanwar Sain wrote to the Ministry of Home Affairs,” she said.

The Attorney General’s opinion and a letter from Home Secretary G K Pillai favoured the House members’ stand. “Following the opinion from the Attorney General of India,it has become quite clear that the power of promotion or initiating disciplinary action of Class “A” officers lies with House,” Mehra said. The members also passed a resolution to the effect during the House meeting.

Matharoo originally joined the Home Ministry as a clerk and was sent to the MCD on deputation in 2000 at the additional deputy secretary level. Through an MCD resolution,his post was upgraded to deputy commissioner in 2003.