Delhi High Court Issues Notices in J&K Former Bureaucrat's Defamation Suit Over Alleged Water Scheme Scam

The Delhi High Court initiated legal proceedings in a defamation case filed by ex-Jammu & Kashmir Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta against allegations of a 'Jal Jeevan Mission scam.' The lawsuit claims these allegations, which portray a conspiracy with varied corruption amounts, are unfounded and harm both reputation and integrity.

The Delhi High Court on Monday served notices to multiple defendants in a defamation case initiated by former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta, IAS (Retd.), who is contesting allegations of a supposed 'Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam.'

The defendants include retired IAS officer Ashok Kumar Parmar, whose claims are central to the controversy. Senior Advocate Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav has requested a response from all involved parties, and a hearing is scheduled for February 3 for Dr. Mehta's plea seeking an interim injunction. Mehta's legal representation, consisting of Advocates Vasudev Sharan Swain and Nar Hari Singh, has lodged claims for damages amounting to Rs 2.55 crore alongside requests for both interim and permanent injunctions.

The defamation suit argues that allegations of the 'JJM scam' are unfounded, harmful, and lack any credible evidence. Citing a thorough inquiry by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the suit underscores that no financial misconduct was detected, and proper e-tendering processes were followed, resulting in no detriment to the public treasury. The lawsuit further reveals discrepancies in reported 'scam amounts' and highlights extensive RTI data illustrating substantial project completion, countering claims of manipulation. The case aims to protect Dr. Mehta's reputation and counter misinformation damaging to governance efforts in Jammu & Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies.)