Conflict of Interest Concerns: Ex-Civil Servants Call for CEC Reform

In a significant move, 60 former civil servants have addressed a letter to the Chief Justice of India, expressing concerns over a 'conflict of interest' in the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). The committee's structure, comprising mainly ex-government officials, could potentially influence the adjudication of cases regarding the Forest Conservation Amendment Act, 2023.

The letter, dated June 30, outlines that the current CEC lacks independent experts, relying heavily on officials with previous ties to the Ministry of Environment, raising questions about their impartiality. The former bureaucrats highlighted that until recently, the CEC included independent members ensuring balanced decision-making.

Amidst ongoing Supreme Court deliberations on the Forest Conservation Amendment Act, the signatories urged the inclusion of external experts in the CEC. They argued that an unbiased panel is crucial for fair judgments, particularly given conflicting interests linked to past policies and the continued ecological debate.