The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) said they are “concerned” with Supreme Court’s verdict on foreign minister case.
The verdict, which was out Friday, acquitted the former foreign minister of all the charges including misuse of public property.
“The message could be read by the public servants and there could be adverse implications,” ACC’s statement to BBS reads.
However, ACC said they respect the Supreme Court’s verdict.
The Supreme Court, on the other hand, said they are the apex court and that there is no legal authority beyond them.
The former foreign minister, Rinzin Dorje said he believes the justice has been rendered.
The verdict said the court did not find any basis to prove the charges against the former foreign minister. He was charged with abuse of authority and misuse of public property while he was the Haa Dzongdag
“I was a victim of politics,” said Rinzin Dorje, who now serves as the Member of Parliament of Shompangkha Constituency.
He said the issue would have not arisen had he continued to serve as the Dzongdag.
His legal tussle with the Office of Attorney General began in February, 2015 at the Haa District Court.
After several months of legal battle, the court’s verdict acquitted him of the charge which was abuse of authority.
OAG then appealed to the High Court, accusing him of misusing government’s DCM truck for his personal use.
The High Court convicted him of the wrongdoing.
But the Supreme Court said the former foreign minister used the DCM truck in line with the finance ministry’s circular which allows civil servants to use pool vehicles during emergency and pressing needs.
“Supreme Court in the best of the judgment, I believe, took all the necessary steps. They did thorough investigations and that was a reason why they took almost a year,” said MP Rinzin Dorje.
