SC refuses to frame guidelines on cooling off period for bureaucrats

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today refused to frame guidelines for providing mandatory cooling off period to retired bureaucrats and police officials during which they will not be allowed to accept any government assignment. “We cannot issue such direction,” a bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam said while dismissing a PIL filed by former DGP of Uttar Pradesh, Prakash Singh. [caption id=“attachment_1206789” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Supreme Court of India. AFP[/caption] Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Singh, submitted that the court should frame guidelines. Singh, in his petition, pleaded that such provision is required for independence of bureacracy and police administration. He said that it will root out favouratism and corruption in administration. The bench, however, was not satisfied and said that sometime experienced hands are needed and asked the petitioner to make a representation to the Centre on the issue. PTI