This allegation is important because Vineet Vinayak, now a Joint Director in the probe agency, is spearheading the investigation in the irregularities of the coal block allocation case
Senior lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan has alleged UP Singh, an IAS officer who was part of the Ministry of Steel at one point — specifically between the period of 2007-2008 at least - is related to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer Vineet Vinayak.
This allegation is important because Vinayak, now a Joint Director in the probe agency, is spearheading the investigation in the irregularities of the coal block allocation case. Bhushan further alleges that the proximity of this relationship creates a conflict of interest as a result of which a fair and partial investigation is impossible.
Bhushan, counsel for the NGO common Cause mentioned these points in front of the coal bench at the Supreme Court prompting the apex body to initiate an inquiry in this matter.
A bench comprising of Justices Madan B Lokur, AK Sikri and Kurian Joseph directed the CBI to prepare a status report on these allegations amid the agency's vehement submissions that Vinayak is an 'upright officer'.
The status report will be submitted to the top court on January 30.
Singh, then a joint secretary in the Ministry of Steel, was present and participated in the 35th and 36th meeting of the Screening Committee — the committee that recommended the allocation of coal blocks. These allocations were proved to be irregular and a special court constituted by the SC is now looking into this matter.
Between June 20, 2007 to July 3, 2008, Singh participated in at least 20 meetings. Singh was even part of the team that recommended allocation of at least 19 blocks. According to the minutes of the meeting, 674 applications from 184 companies were for coal block allocations that were earmarked for the non-power sector.
Among those who participated and invited to submit presentations for coal block allocation were companies like Rungta Steel, Rathi Udyog, SKS Ispat, Vikash Metal and Power Limited among others.
It is interesting to note that the special coal court at Patiala House, constituted by the apex court, has already convicted two companies and its executives — Rathi Steel and Jharkand Ispat Pvt limited, for corruption. The trial for Vikash Metal and Power Limited, along with SKS Ispat is ongoing at the coal court and is being heard by Special CBI Judhe Bharat Parashar.
Vinayak is one of the three investigators who apprises senior advocate RS Cheema — the prosecutor in the coal scam — on the status of the cases. On the other hand, UP Singh is currently the Vice Chairman of Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Coal")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}