SC junks PIL for SIT probe into chopper deal

Sharma had cited papers relating to the probe into the matter by Italian investigators and urged the court to interfere in view of the delay by the Centre in taking up the investigation and bring the guilty to book. The Bench,however,told him that it was not within the court8217;s jurisdiction to take note of his contentions. As the Bench moved ahead to dismiss his PIL,Sharma requested to permit him to withdraw his PIL so that he could conduct further investigation into the matter,but to no avail.

We cannot let you withdraw this petition after you have argued this much. You can certainly investigate more into the matter but we dont think you can come to the court praying for these reliefs, observed the Bench.

Sharmas petition had sought directives for quashing the 2010 contract with Finmeccanica for the supply of 12 AW101 helicopters and a probe by SIT or CVC under supervision by the apex court.

The petition raised apprehension of a CBI investigation getting scuttled by extraneous factors.