SC Dismisses Pleas by Maharashtra Govt, Anil Deshmukh; Says CBI Probe Needed As Allegations Serious
Justice S.K. Kaul, who heard the matter, stated the allegations are serious and require an independent probe.
The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed pleas filed by the Maharashtra Government and its former home minister Anil Deshmukh challenging the Bombay High Court order directing a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations of corruption levelled against him by former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh.
Justice S.K. Kaul, who heard the matter, stated the allegations are serious and require an independent probe. “The Home Minister and Police Commissioner are involved. They are closely working together till they fall apart, both holding a particular position. Should the CBI not probe? The nature of allegations and persons involved require an independent probe,” he said.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal representing Deshmukh told the apex court that the law must be uniform for everyone.
“It can’t be that just because the Police Commissioner has said something, his words become evidence,” he added.
Sibal further said there can be no preliminary inquiry without hearing Deshmukh.
“It’s only an inquiry on the basis of something akin to a press conference. It’s hearsay,” he added.
Justice Kaul observed: “It was not your (Anil Deshmukh) enemy, who made the allegations against you but it was done by the one who was almost your right-hand man (Param Bir Singh). The probe should be done against both.”
READ: Bombay HC Orders CBI Inquiry On Anil Deshmukh Over Charges Levelled By Param Bir Singh
The Bombay High Court had earlier on April 5 directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry into corruption allegations against Deshmukh.
The bench ordered the CBI Director to conduct a preliminary inquiry in accordance with law and conclude it within 15 days.
The former top cop moved the High Court last month seeking an “immediate and unbiased” probe against Deshmukh, who he claimed asked police officer Sachin Vaze to collect ₹100 crores from bars and restaurants.
He had mentioned in his plea that Deshmukh used to frequently interfere with police investigations and even held meetings at his residence with police officers.
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