HC orders EOW to probe damage to foodgrain stock

The court has asked the Vigilance and EOW to submit a status report every two months and directed them to prosecute officials of Food Corporation of India (FCI) also if their negligence is proved during the inquiry.

Chief Standing Counsel (CSC) I P Singh said the court has directed the state government to constitute a committee to find out ways and means for the safety and security of foodgrain stocks. The bench comprising Justices Devi Prasad Singh and Satish Chandra issued the directives while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by We The People through its general secretary lawyer Prince Lenin.

Lenin,who himself argued the case,said the PIL was filed with reference to a news article which reported that thousands of quintals of foodgrain stored in an open space at Mandi Samiti campus of Gola area in Lakhimpur Kheri got damaged in rain on June 22.

He said that the court took serious cognisance of the matter and observed that loss of public property or damage caused to foodgrain is an offence under IPC and constitutes criminal negligence on the part of the authorities.

The CSC said that the court has ordered that the committee should chalk out a plan regarding purchase and storage of foodgrain with appropriate safety measures. The purchase should be done keeping in view the capacity of the warehouses available with the state. The government has been directed to construct warehouses in sufficient number or hire them to meet the requirement.

The government has also been directed to look into the feasibility of participation of private sector for storage of foodgrain and enhancing the purchase quota of private traders. The court has ordered that the committee has to finalise the report within a month. On the basis of the report,the state government will issue an appropriate order or circular to regulate the purchase and sale of foodgrain within two months.