New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday had given guidelines to CBI and order not to share any information with government on its investigation over “coalgate” scam. The apex court also said that if there was any ‘obstruction’ in the probe, the agency should come to the court.
The apex court, in a strong observation while responding to the plea of CBI to share information of its probe into coal allocation with the government and said, “If there is any obstruction or impediment of any nature, you can come to us. Nothing should be left to find the truth.” “We are concerned seriously if there is any extraneous influence in the matter of this investigation. Your credibility goes. Your application to share some information with the government is like ‘giving by one hand and taking by another’ – don’t take shelter under the law.”
Meantime CBI had asked for permission to share details of the coalgate probe last week by saying that it was essential for seeking permission to question a government officer, or rope in other experts to bolster the probe.
The Bench of Judges said on Wednesday that the agency could come to the court if it wanted to consult individuals on specific issues, but should not share bulk information with the government.
CBI admitted in court that Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and some members of the Prime Minister’s Office had vetted a report it was preparing for judges on its inquiry into how coal fields were allotted to private players at under-valued rates in April. The agency has said that the allotments were faulty and handled without transparency. The investigation of this case is very sensitive because Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was directly handling the charge of Coal Ministry at the time when the allotments were faulty and Opposition is forcing Manmohan Singh to resign.
Bureau Report
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