Jammu and Kashmir High Court Restores Closure Report in Saubhagya Scheme Case

The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court quashed a direction for further investigation into alleged irregularities in the Saubhagya electrification scheme.

Background

The Anti-Corruption Bureau had submitted a closure report after investigation, inspections and departmental review did not establish criminal misconduct by the officials concerned. A Special Judge had rejected the closure report.

Legal issue and reasoning

Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani held that the record did not justify further criminal investigation against the petitioners merely on procedural irregularities. The Court expressly avoided authorising release of any disputed scheme payments.

Outcome and next step

The closure report was restored for the petitioners, while any payment must still comply with the governing law.