New Delhi, Oct. 15 -- The Lokpal has disposed of a complaint alleging misuse of official position and irregularities in the collection, administration and handling of the PM CARES Fund, saying that the complainant failed to provide any specific material facts or prima facie evidence for it to order a corruption probe. However, the anti-corruption ombudsman allowed the complainant to file a fresh complaint with "credible" and "verifiable" relevant facts and material.

In an order passed on October 9, seen by HT, a bench headed by Lokpal chairperson justice AM Khanwilkar, said the complaint's contents do not justify ordering a preliminary inquiry in the matter. It refused to indulge in a "roving or misdirected" inquiry. The anti-corruption ...