With the UPA government having to deal with several high-profile and controversial cases like 2G spectrum allocation scam, Commonwealth Games scam and black money case, which may have a direct bearing on the political fortunes of the Centre, the Union law and justice ministry has sought immediate and prompt details of any cases filed against government policies or that have a political implication.
In a directive issued to its law officers, heading government litigation in Supreme Court and high courts across the country, Union law secretary D.R. Meena has asked them to immediately inform the government of any such cases filed in their respective courts where they head the litigation department. “All officers should apprise the law secretary on any pending cases which have political ramifications or where the important policies of the Centre have been challenged,” the directive states.
Sources stated that the letter to the law officers has been issued by the law secretary after receiving directions from the Union law and justice minister M. Veerappa Moily.
Official sources stated that the directive of the government has been issued in an effort to be prepared for any politically sensitive litigation that may have been filed in any part of the country.
The recent directive comes within weeks of similar order issued by law minister Dr M. Veerappa Moily asking all important files on which law ministry has given an advice be routed through him.
Mr Moily’s directive assumed significance as the law ministry come under criticism for its advice to the Prime Minister’s Office on the 2G issue.