Supreme Court Rebukes Finance Ministry Over Data Demands

The Supreme Court criticized the Union Finance Ministry for demanding data from the Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRT), treating judicial staff as subordinates. The apex court expects an apology and insists on providing additional staff for data collection. A detailed affidavit is required for clarification.

The Supreme Court on Monday admonished the Union Finance Ministry for its directive seeking data from the Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRT) concerning the amount recovered through tribunal orders, demanding an explanation for the approach taken.

Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih highlighted the ministry's inappropriate treatment of the DRT's judicial staff as subordinates. The court insisted on an apology from the government, stressing that the extensive data collection request, expected within three days, was unacceptable. The bench stated that if data collection was necessary, additional staff should be provided to the DRT.

The apex court expressed surprise at the DRTs carrying out such instructions and directed the department's secretary to review and ensure a comprehensive affidavit is filed. Previously, the court had issued a notice to a Finance Ministry official about the DRT's treatment as a Central government department amid ongoing legal proceedings.

(With inputs from agencies.)