HC orders inquiry into allegations of misappropriation of CSI funds


The Church of South India (CSI) Trust Association owns properties worth several lakh crores of rupees across the southern parts of the country

The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Registrar of Companies to conduct a fresh inquiry into allegations of misappropriation, mismanagement and misfeasance in the Church of South India (CSI) Trust Association, which owns properties worth several lakh crores of rupees across the southern parts of the country.

Justice R. Mahadevan directed the Registrar to conduct the inquiry strictly in accordance with law by giving an opportunity of hearing to CSITA between February 17 and 22. Within two weeks thereafter, a detailed report should be filed with the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs for deciding the further course of action.

Since the inquiry against CSITA had not proceeded swiftly since 2011, the judge directed the Centre to take a call on the issue within three weeks after receiving the Registrar’s report. Making it clear that any further delay would be viewed seriously, the judge ordered departmental action against those responsible for the delay in the last 10 years.

Recalling the history of the case, the judge said CSI was a religious organisation inaugurated on September 26, 1947, pursuant to an agreement reached between Protestant churches of different traditions such as Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational. There were 24 dioceses under the CSI, the largest congregation of Protestant churches in Asia.

CSITA was a registered company under the Companies Act and it held the properties of CSI as a trustee. However, there were serious allegations such as unwarranted use of rent-free bungalows, luxury cars and free world tours by Bishops attached to some of the diocese by utilising the money meant for charity. Many criminal cases had also been filed.

On the basis of a report filed by the Registrar of Companies in January 2016, the Centre ordered a probe by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), in June 2016. In November 2017, the High Court in Hyderabad set aside the order and remitted the matter to the Centre for fresh consideration. Subsequently, the Centre took a similar decision in May 2018.

Hence, CSITA and its office-bearer had approached the Madras High Court in 2019, challenging the Registrar’s December 2017 report, based on which the Centre took the May 2018 decision. Agreeing that principles of natural justice had not been followed scrupulously, the judge ordered that the Registrar’s report must be treated as a show cause notice.

After directing the petitioners to participate in the inquiry, he ordered that a time-bound decision must be taken in the matter after following provisions of the law in letter and spirit.

You have reached your limit for free articles this month.

Subscription Benefits Include

Today’s Paper

Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day’s newspaper in one easy-to-read list.

Unlimited Access

Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.

Personalised recommendations

A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.

Faster pages

Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.

Dashboard

A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.

Briefing

We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.

Support Quality Journalism.

*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper, crossword and print.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Releated

India, China conclude 16-hour military talks, discuss further disengagement at three friction points in Eastern Ladakh | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The tenth round of Corps commander level talks between India and China concluded after 16 hours at Moldo, on the Chinese side of Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Sunday as the discussion focused on further disengagement at three friction points in Eastern Ladakh, including Gogra heights, Hot Springs and Depsang plains, Army […]

In 10th Round of Military-Level Talks, India-China Discuss Disengagement at Depsang, Hot Springs for 16 Hours

The 10th round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China that began on Saturday lasted for over 16 hours, concluding at around 2 am on Sunday. Militaries of both countries touched upon disengagement at the three friction points of Gogra Heights, Hot Springs and Depsang plains. The talks took place two days after the […]

%d bloggers like this: