States Blocking CBI Probe A Matter Of Concern, Says Supreme Court
NDTV
The CBI had filed an affidavit, pointing out that eight states - West Bengal, Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram -- have withdrawn the general consent to cases against its residents.
The states' veto to the Central Bureau of Investigation's power to file cases is a matter of concern and "not a desirable position", a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court said today, referring the issue to Chief Justice of India NV Ramana. The agency had filed an affidavit, pointing out that eight states - West Bengal, Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram -- have withdrawn the general consent to cases against its residents.
Specific consent on case-to-case basis is required now, which is time consuming and detrimental to timely and prompt investigation, the agency had said.
Over the last few years, many non-BJP states have withdrawn general consent, alleging that the BJP-ruled Central government was misusing the agency to settle grudges against political opponents.
The bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MM Sundresh was hearing the agency's plea against an order by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in a case against two lawyers accused of threatening witnesses and fabricating false evidence.
