In an order favourable to the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Supreme Court on Monday extended the deadline for handing over the passport of Vipin Khanna, a distant relative of former external affairs minister Natwar Singh, till March 10. Khanna’s company is suspected to be involved in the oil-for-food-scam.Accepting the arguments put forth by Additional Solicitor General Amarender Saran that the release of passport might hamper the investigations at this stage, Justice CK Thakker extended the date for release of Khanna’s passport.Contending that the CBI might require Khanna’s presence for interrogation in view of some additional evidence with the agency, Saran also submitted that under Section 91 of the CrPC, it was empowered to seize any documents from an accused. At this, the apex court refusing to pass any specific directions remarked, “If you have powers under the Statute you invoke it, why do you want the court’s direction to carry out your powers?”
