Respected Shri Narendra Modiji,
Pranam.
I write to you in the backdrop of the recent acquittal of former Coal Secretary Shri H.C. Gupta and others in the coal block allocation case, after a prolonged judicial process spanning more than a decade.
The Court has effectively affirmed that:
- The decisions were taken within the framework of policy,
- There was no mala fide intent or personal gain,
- And yet, the individuals concerned had to undergo years of uncertainty and scrutiny.
Sir, this development is not merely a closure of a past case — it is a powerful reminder of a systemic challenge in governance.
The Core Issue: Fear-Induced Decision Paralysis
Today, many honest officers and Ministers face a silent dilemma:
“Even if my decision is well-intentioned, will I be questioned years later with the benefit of hindsight?”
This fear often leads to:
- Delayed approvals
- Excessive file movement
- Avoidance of bold decisions
In short — governance slows down.
My Humble Submission (From My 2014 Suggestion: “ To err is human” )
Over a decade ago, I had suggested a simple but powerful solution:
👉 Instead of trying to eliminate all risk from decision-making,
👉 We must institutionalize transparency of thought at the time of decision-making.
I now humbly propose that this be formalized as a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) across Government.
Proposed SOP: “Good Faith Decision Recording Protocol”
Every significant administrative decision (by officers and Ministers) should mandatorily include a structured note on file, capturing the following:
1. Information Gaps Acknowledged
- What information or data the decision-maker wished was available,
but was not accessible at the time of taking the decision.
2. Diversity of Views Considered
- What different views / opinions were presented
during consultations, discussions, or file notings.
3. Constraints of Time
- What additional data or perspectives could have been obtained
if more time were available.
4. Stakeholder Impact Awareness
- Who all the decision might offend or adversely affect,
including departments, individuals, or interest groups.
5. Cost of Inaction
- What is the likely cost of postponing or deferring the decision,
in terms of:- Economic loss
- Administrative delay
- Public inconvenience
6. Declaration of Integrity
A clear, recorded declaration:
“This decision is not likely to benefit any of my near relatives or friends, directly or immediately.”
Why This SOP is Transformational
Sir, such a system will:
✔ Shift evaluation from outcome-based judgment to process-based assessment
✔ Protect honest officers who act in good faith
✔ Create a documented trail of intent, constraints, and reasoning
✔ Reduce fear of retrospective scrutiny
✔ Encourage faster, more confident decision-making
Relevance to the Recent Coal Case
The acquittal of Shri H.C. Gupta highlights that:
- Decisions taken honestly can still be questioned years later
- Absence of structured “decision context recording” makes retrospective evaluation difficult
- Investigations often rely on outcomes, rather than intent and constraints at the time
👉 Had such an SOP existed earlier, much of the prolonged uncertainty may have been avoided.
A Governance Opportunity
Sir, your leadership has consistently emphasized:
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Efficiency
This SOP uniquely strengthens all three — while also adding a fourth pillar:
👉 Administrative Courage
Concluding Appeal
I humbly submit that:
“If we want faster governance, we must protect honest decision-making — not by eliminating scrutiny, but by documenting intent.”
The recent verdict offers a timely opportunity to institutionalize this principle across Government of India.
I sincerely hope you will consider introducing this as a nationwide SOP, enabling officers and Ministers to take decisions boldly, transparently, and without fear.
With highest respect and regards,
Yours sincerely,
Hemen Parekh
www.YourContentCreator.in / 29 March 2026
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