The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday directed the principal secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD) to transfer Sanjay Muske, the chief engineer in-charge of Bhopal zone, out of the zone to prevent him from influencing an ongoing departmental inquiry. This order came a day after Muske was transferred over alleged embezzlement of over Rs 2.40 crore sanctioned for constructing a 1000-bed hospital in Gwalior and the collapse of a bridge in Seoni district.
Petition Filed by Colleague
The court's directive was issued on a petition filed by Muske's colleague, P C Verma, challenging the additional charge of the bridge division given to Muske on April 29, 2025. Verma argued that despite Muske's highly questionable service record, the government had given him two additional charges — chief engineer of Bhopal zone and the bridge division — violating its policy against giving additional charge to officials facing serious corruption charges.
Verma's Removal
Verma himself was removed as chief engineer in-charge of the bridge division over an alleged wrong evaluation of a technical bid during a tender process.
Court's Observations
Justice Vivek Kumar Singh observed that the manner in which the additional charge of the bridge division was given to a 'tainted' officer like Muske 'shocked' the conscience of the court. The judge noted that this would allow Muske to influence the departmental inquiry against him for the bridge collapse and other corruption charges. The judge also criticized the principal secretary for taking the court's directive 'lightly' and attempting to 'shield' Muske in his reply.
Order Set Aside
Setting aside the April 29 order, the judge stated it could not be sustained as it was vitiated by 'arbitrariness, malafides, and malice in law' and was in direct contravention of the government's binding circulars.
