Jharkhand to make law to seize corrupt officers' properties

Ranchi, April 28 (IANS) In a move to curb corruption in government offices, Jharkhand Chief Miniter Arjun Munda has given his consent to an ordinance to set up special courts which will have the power to seize/attach properties of corrupt officials.

"Chief Minister Munda has given his approval to set up 'Jharkhand special court ordinance 2012'. The ordinance has been sent to the governor for notification," an official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) told IANS Saturday.

The official added: "The vigilance courts are over-burdened with corruption cases. The tainted officers sell or transfer their properties during case trials. With this ordinance, the special courts would hear the cases fast and would have the power to seize properties of the tainted officers."

The special courts will issue notices within 30 days of the petition against the tainted officers.

To fight corruption in government offices, Jharkhand has already formulated the Right to Services Act and the Electronic Delivery Services Act.