Hyderabad: Arrest of IAS officers BP Acharya and Y Srilakshmi did throw the bureaucracy in Andhra Pradesh into a tizzy. Many were left wondering: "Who next?" and that fear continues to haunt some.
Though arrests cannot be prevented when the time comes, a sound knowledge of the nitty-gritty of law can always come in handy.
The after effects of the arrest of state's top bureaucrats has led a number of babulog to pursue law courses, and quite seriously at that.
The latest to enrol for law classes are Manmohan Singh and B Sam Bob, both of whom have been served notices by the Supreme Court for issuing controversial GOs during the tenure of YS Rajasekhara Reddy.
Government sources told Express that with the CBI going tough on babus over the last couple of years, several IAS officers decided to study law.
Though it is not uncommon for IAS officers to pursue further studies, with many choosing to go abroad for it and some opting for distance education or evening colleges, Sam Bob (principal secretary, municipal administration) and Manmohan Singh (principal secretary, animal husbandry) joined a three-year LLB course at Mahatma Gandhi Law College.
"I have been attending classes for the last one month. The classes are held from 8 am to 10 am and again from 6 pm to 8 pm," Manmohan Singh told Express.
The senior IAS officer said the course would help him understand if the counsel engaged by him was arguing his case effectively before the Supreme Court.
"Though I may not be able to defend myself in the court even if I complete my law course, it would help me understand the approach of my counsel. Even a High Court advocate engages some other lawyer while facing cases," Manmohan Singh said.
Another IAS officer, who did not wish to be quoted, said IAS officers should have a sound knowledge of law. "Iam sure had Srilakshmi or Acharya were well-versed with law, they would have been in an advantageous position," he said.
Manmohan Singh, however, explained that as an IAS officer, he had to invariably refer to legal position frequently on various issues. "This way, the law course will also be of help in discharging official duties," he said.
The general administration department has already issued orders permitting Singh and Bob to study LLB.
Among the IAS officers facing cases are: CVSK Sarma, SV Prasad, Y Srilakshmi, B Sam Bob, K Ratna Prabha, Adityanath Das, P Samuel and Manmohan Singh.
"Some more in our fraternity are also keen to pursue law studies. We may see more bureaucrats studying law shortly. Then, we will not require legal advice on every matter we deal with in the government," said a senior IAS officer.
Many feel that IAS officers should understand tender agreement rules, law of contracts and other subjects, which would be easier if one studies law.
QUOTE
If I complete my law course, it would help me understand the approach of my counsel.-- Manmohan Singh, principal secretary (animal husbandry)
BOX:
SC NOTICES
The Supreme Court had slapped notices on six ministers and eight IAS officers in the state for issuing 26 controversial GOs during YS Rajasekhara Reddy regime, which allegedly helped YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to amass disproportionate assets. Of them, Manmohan Singh and B Sam Bob are pursuing LLB. The IAS officers filed counter affidavits before the apex court recently, stating that they followed the due procedure and issued GOs without any motive to benefit any individual.
No comments:
Post a Comment