‘Serious Allegations’ Against Anil Deshmukh, Require CBI Probe: Supreme Court
Mumbai: The Supreme Court has rejected a petition filed by the Maharashtra government and its former home minister Anil Deshmukh, challenging the Bombay High Court order directing a CBI probe into allegations of corruption levelled against him by former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh.
“Looking at the personas involved and nature of allegations and seriousness of allegations, it requires investigation by an independent agency. It is a matter of public confidence,” a bench comprising Justices S K Kaul and Hemant Gupta said.
The bench further said that they do not want to interfere with the orders of the High Court directing the preliminary inquiry by the CBI.
During the hearing in the Supreme Court today, Deshmukh said that oral allegations were made against him without any substance and the High Court ordered a CBI inquiry without hearing him.
The petition was filed by the Maharashtra government and its former home minister Anil Deshmukh, who passed a Bombay High Court order directing a CBI probe into the allegations of corruption and misconduct levelled against him by former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh.
“The allegations are serious, involving the Home Minister and the Commissioner of Police. They’re closely working together till they fall apart, both holding a particular position. Should CBI not probe? Nature of allegations&persons involved require independent probe,” said SC Justice SK Kaul.
Kapil Sibal who was representing Deshmukh said there can be no preliminary inquiry without hearing the former home minister.
“It’s only an inquiry on the basis of something akin to a press conference. Its hearsay,” he added.
Petitions were filed by the Maharashtra government and Deshmukh earlier this week, challenging the Bombay High Court order directing a CBI probe into the allegations.
Deshmukh, who has denied all allegations, resigned from the state government citing ‘moral’ grounds hours after the April 5 HC order directing a probe into his conduct.
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