Centre For Environment & Food ... vs Union Of India & Ors.

A petition was filed by the Centre for Environment and Food Security pointing out serious lapses and large scale malpractices in the implementation of the schemes under the Act in Orissa and other States. The Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe alleged misuse of the schemes under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 100 villages in six districts of Orissa. The Bench directed the CBI to conduct a complete and comprehensive investigation and file its report in regard to commission of criminal offences in the implementation of the schemes, or otherwise, before the court of competent jurisdiction for appropriate action. Taking note of such lapses in other States as well, the Bench at the first instance issued notice to Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to respond to the reports of the petitioner with regard to implementation of provisions/schemes under the Act in those States. The Bench also directed the Central government to consider the entire matter objectively within the framework of the provisions of the statute and place on record of this court, before the next date of hearing, the directions or measures “which it proposes to issue to all the States to prevent recurrence of what has happened in the State of Orissa.” The Bench directed that all concerned should strictly adhere to and comply with the directions contained in this order. “We make it clear that in the event of default, this court would be compelled to take appropriate action against the defaulting officers/officials/authorities,” it said, and posted the matter for further hearing after eight weeks.