SC seeks CBI reply on interference charges against its ex-chief

Ranjit Sinha

The Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the CBI on a plea citing specific instances as to how its former director Ranjit Sinha allegedly derailed the probe into the coal block allocation scam. “Why don’t you file your reply? We have to take a call. Either, we have to agree with you (CBI) or with him (NGO’s counsel making allegations),” a bench headed by Justice M B Lokur said while naming posting it for hearing on February 16.

Senior advocate Amarendra Sharan, appearing for the CBI, said he would submit the agency’s response after perusing the note filed by advocate Prashant Bhushan, petitioner NGO’s counsel, who read out various instances wherein Sinha allegedly opined against registration of regular cases and favoured closure. The CBI has sought dismissal of the plea that has sought a probe against Sinha for allegedly scuttling the probe and for trying to protect certain influential persons.

Bhushan’s note relied on a visitors’ logbook, which reportedly showed several accused in the 2G and coal scam cases meeting Sinha at his Delhi residence. Sinha’s counsel senior advocate Vikas Singh, however, questioned the veracity of the logbook and sought initiation of perjury charge against Bhushan for making false and malicious allegations to wreak personal vendetta. The court said that Sinha’s perjury application will also be taken up on the next date.

Meanwhile, the court also demanded an explanation from the Gujarat Government over its failure in providing to the CBI requisite information related to two coal block allocations. It issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Gujarat and sought his reply. The bench also asked the agency to take up the case and follow up with the state government on the issue of allocation of two coal blocks at Naini in Angul district of Odisha and Morga in Chhattisgarh.