Responding to a letter from the registrar general (Personnel and Protocol), Bombay High Court, the state government has ordered an inquiry into sub-standard construction work in the Maharashtra Judicial Academy building at Uttan inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil on June 27.

The Rs 68-crore academy is meant for training judicial officers.

A recent 20-page letter to the state government from the HC registrar general had listed “serious lapses and irregularities” and sought an inquiry against the Public Works Department (PWD), which had undertaken the construction of the administrative building of the academy on five hectares adjoining a lake.

An inquiry under the PWD’s Vigilance and Quality Control department has been ordered by the government.

The letter from the HC registrar general states, “Considering the seriousness, gravity of the matter, the state government should take civil and criminal action against the erring officers.”

The letter alleges a “total lethargic and casual approach” on the part of the PWD, and cites a delay in issue of work orders and funds to the contractor, use of inferior material and improper supervision. It lists 43 defects including flaws in the compound wall, flooring and auditorium, besides uneven ground and improper roads. It also points out severe defects in the façade and makes a mention of the stone cladding, arches, roofs, domes, windows, paint and tiles.

Registrar general MA Sayeed, who has signed the letter, refused to comment.

PWD chief architect BM Sankhe, when contacted, said, “As expected of my role, I had pointed out certain defects to the chief engineer and the government. However, as a government architect I do not have the powers to interfere in engineering matters.”

... contd.