SC terms Param Bir Singh case ‘messy affair’, asks Maharashtra govt to ‘stay their hands’
India Today
The Supreme Court has restrained the Maharashtra government from pushing ahead with its investigation or taking coercive action against Param Bir Singh for at least a week.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday observed that the case involving former Mumbai top cop Param Bir Singh has turned into a “messy state of affairs” that can shake people’s faith in the police and government.
“This is the most unfortunate situation. It has the propensity of unnecessarily shaking confidence of people in police system and in elected representatives. Process of law must be carried on,” Justice Kaul said while hearing Param Bir Singh’s petition seeking protection from arrest.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the CBI, batted for the central probe agency to be assigned the case.
“In all fitness the matter should be handed over to just one agency and that should be the CBI. It’s alright that the State was allowed to proceed with the investigation but once they start recording statements of witnesses etc, it makes the CBI’s case difficult,” he said.
READ | Param Bir Singh never sought gratification in money or kind: ACP to probe panel
The bench said it will take up the matter for final disposal next week and restrained the Maharashtra government from pushing ahead with its investigation or taking coercive action against Param Bir Singh for one week to 10 days.
“Matter will be heard on March 9. Completely stay your hands till then,” the court told the state’s counsel.
