Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 24

Refusing to entertain former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh’s petition seeking a CBI probe into his allegations of corruption against Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked him to approach the Bombay High Court.

A Bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul wondered why Singh didn’t approach the high court and why the person against whom the petition has been filed (Deshmukh) was not made a party to the case.

The Bench observed: “We have no doubt that the matter is quite serious and affects the administration at large. It also appears that a lot of material which has come in public domain is a consequence of the personas falling out.”

“He (Param Bir) is making some allegations and the minister is also making some allegations. I don’t see a point why you should not move the high court,” Justice Kaul said.

“If investigation by an independent agency is being asked for, it will also be granted by the high court which has wider powers under Article 226 of the Constitution,” the Bench said.

Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi appearing on behalf of Param Bir said: “This is a matter of serious public interest. The entire state is rocked… Police reforms have not taken place.”

Justice Kaul pointed out: “That’s the case (police reforms not taking place) with all states…Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh not just Maharashtra.”

“It appears that none wants to give up… the control of police transfers or implement measures that would insulate the police machinery from performing its role without any uncalled for interference,” the Bench said.

NIA slaps UAPA against Waze

The NIA has slapped charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against Mumbai cop Sachin Waze, who was arrested on March 13 in connection with the recovery of an SUV with 20 gelatin sticks and a threat note, parked near Antilia.