Way back in 1970-71, when Parkash Singh Badal first
became Chief Minister of Punjab, he and his ministers faced serious
charges of corruption, misuse of power and favouritism. The charges were
levelled by their own ministers, Satyapal Dang and Tirlochan Singh
Riyasti. To probe the charges, the Government of India appointed a
Commission of Inquiry, which was first headed by Justice DS Dave and
then Justice LN Chhangani.
In three reports submitted between 1973 and 1975,
while the Commission absolved Badal and others of certain charges, it
said that a few charges against Badal and others stood proved and
substantiated. Charges in which the Commission found substance included
misuse of power by Badal in purchase of land for Government bus stand in
Muktsar, favours to a Swiss Company in Moga, undue help against rules to
some transport companies etc. However, due to declaration of Emergency
in 1975 and installation of Janata Government in 1977, no follow-up
action was taken on the reports of the Commission.
In an interview to Free Media Initiative (FMI), Manjit Singh Khaira,
Senior Advocate, talks of the findings of the Commission and also of
political corruption then and now.
