Adarsh scam accused Tiwari faces suspension

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has decided to suspend state information commissioner Ramanand Tiwari for his alleged role in the controversial Adarsh scam when he was the urban development secretary.

The state cabinet passed the proposal to recommend Tiwari’s suspension to the governor and ordered that he not be allowed to attend office till the enquiry is completed. Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan announced this decision after the cabinet meet on Tuesday afternoon.

Tiwari was urban development secretary for over eight years (2000 to 2009). During his tenure, the Adarsh society was given various clearances, including additional floor space index.

Tiwari was appointed Maharashtra’s information commissioner, a constitutional post, after his retirement from the Indian Administrative Service. It requires the governor’s consent before action can be taken against the person holding this post.

Tiwari, whose son Omkar Tiwari has a flat in Adarsh society, reportedly withheld information on the controversial housing society. Tiwari is alleged to have played a key role in his son’s membership with Adarsh Society. Earlier, Tiwari had applied for a long leave of three months starting January 7 but was rejected by the governor.

Following preliminary enquiry of the government’s general administration department, the chief minister’s office had sought resignations from former IAS officers Tiwari and Subhash Lalla. Lalla resigned a few days ago but Tiwari has been defiant and had refused to resign.

Raj Bhavan sources confirmed on Tuesday evening that governor K Shankarnarayan received a formal request from the state government recommending him to make reference to the Supreme Court for removal of Tiwari. This will mean that Tiwari will not be able to challenge his removal in any court.