Vyapam scam: SC notice to Centre, MP Governor

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre and Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav on a plea, seeking his removal on the ground of his alleged involvement in the Vyapam scam, currently being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The plea also seeks a direction from the Apex Court to the Ministry of Home Affairs for the formulation of guidelines on removal the of Governors if they are found to be involved in corrupt practices while being in office.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice HL Dattu and Justices Shiva Kirti Singh and Amitava Roy allowed the submission of senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, that the notice be issued. The petition has been filed by activist Sanjay Shukla.

Earlier, the Apex Court had agreed to hear another plea, seeking the removal of Yadav from the post of Governor for his alleged involvement in the scam. The earlier petition, filed by a group of lawyers, had sought Yadav’s removal and recording of his statement in the case.

The multi-crore rupee professional examination scam in Madhya Pradesh involves several high-profile professionals, politicians and bureaucrats as accused. The MP Professional Examination Board (MPPEB), popularly known as Vyapam, holds examination for various posts such as teachers, medical officers, constables and forest guards.

The petition, on which the Apex Court issued notice on Friday, contended that Yadav’s removal from the post was needed to facilitate “impartial and prompt investigation” as “a person cannot be allowed to hold the post of Governor of a state amidst such serious allegations of involvement in a multi-crore admissions and recruitment scam.”