SC dismisses pleas seeking independent probe into judge Loya’s death

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a batch of petitions seeking an independent probe into the death of CBI judge B.H. Loya. Judge Loya died of natural causes, the court said.

“All litigation concerning circumstances of death of Judge Loya is concluded. Supreme Court decision is final," the apex court said.

A three-judge Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud heard the petitions amidst criticism that the Supreme Court intends to “throw away” the PILs.

"The PILs are a misuse of judicial process and time," Justice Chandrachud said.

Referring to submissions made by petitioners that Justices Chandrachud and Khanwilkar should recuse from hearing the case because they were from the Bombay High Court, the court said "it amounts to "scandalising the judiciary."

"PILs are brazenly misused for personal agenda or finishing off political rivals. The PILS in this case were a facade to malign the dignity of judicial officers and Bombay High Court judges."

Judge Loya was the Special CBI judge hearing the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case in which BJP president Amit Shah was once an accused. Mr. Shah was discharged from the case by Judge Loya's successor judge.

Chief Justice Misra had, while hearing the petitions in a series of marathon sessions, assured the petitioners about the “highest amount of seriousness” with which the court is examining their plea, even calling it a “cause”.