"The AAP, along with leading activists' groups that have campaigned relentlessly for better management of Maharashtra's water resources for fair rehabilitation of locals and exposed the irrigation scam, unequivocally state that the SIT does not inspire any faith in doing justice to the serious crisis in the Irrigation Department and the terms of its reference are sketchy to say the least," a party spokesperson said.
"For any SIT to do justice, it must have the teeth of law and have members who inspire confidence. This SIT fails on both counts," the party said.
The SIT has not been constituted under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, under which the government has to compulsorily give statements on oath to a panel, it said.
The SIT must be quasi-judicial, with judicial powers to summon bureaucrats, ministers and experts as well as conduct regular hearings which are deemed judicial proceedings under Section 193 and Section 228 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and also initiate action against those held guilty, the AAP said.
Madhav Chitale who heads the SIT is the former Chairman of Central Water Commission (CWC) and a former secretary of the Union Ministry of Water Resources, with a known "pro-dam bias" and no track record of taking any independent or objective position about dams or government water agencies, it said. (MORE)