New Delhi: High Court today asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to file a fresh status report on its probe into a case of graft, money laundering and disproportionate income against Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. A preliminary enquiry was initiated on a complaint filed against Mr. Singh two years ago.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice RS Endlaw also directed the HP chief minister to file his affidavit in the court by Tuesday. The final status report of the CBI is filed in sealed cover and same is also taken on record,” the bench said, adding that it will hear the arguments in the case on September 10.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Mr. Singh, contended that the PIL appeared to be a “personal interest litigation”, making frivolous charges against Mr. Singh. He said the issue of alleged income tax violations had already been raised before the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
Common Cause counsel Prashant Bhushan and Additional Solicitor-General Sanjay Jain said the Court should first issue a notice before hearing the Chief Minister. Mr. Bhushan said this was an “open and shut case” of corruption that could result in Mr. Singh’s conviction.
The matter led to an impasse in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly earlier this month, with the Opposition demanding a discussion on the money laundering allegations against Mr. Singh. The Speaker rejected the demand with the observation that the matter was sub judice. The allegations also include cash payment of about Rs 2.28 crore to Singh by an MNC steel firm during 2008 and 2010 when he was the Union steel minister.
Bureau Report
Leave a Reply