SC judge Justice Sheel Nagu recuses from hearing Punjab govt's plea challenging CBI probe into corruption allegations
PTC News Desk: Supreme Court judge Justice Sheel Nagu on Friday recused from hearing the Punjab government's plea against CBI investigation into corruption allegations against people linked to the AAP-led government and submit a report within two months.
The Supreme Court on Friday declined to hear the Punjab government's challenge to the Punjab and Haryana High Court's order directing a CBI investigation into alleged corruption involving Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The matter came up before a bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Sheel Nagu. When the case was taken up, Justice Datta said it could not be heard by Justice Nagu and would be assigned to another bench by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta, appearing for the Punjab government, told the court that Justice Nagu, while serving as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, had passed certain orders dismissing petitions filed by the petitioner who had approached the High Court in the present matter. Gupta clarified, however, that the state government was not relying on those orders.
Justice Datta said Justice Nagu was recusing himself from hearing the case. He remarked, “We are in very difficult times, Mr Gupta. One doesn't know from where the attack will come from. There are 17 other benches.”
The Punjab government had approached the Supreme Court on Monday, challenging the High Court's direction to the CBI to investigate allegations of corruption, including claims of money being paid for transfers and favourable policy decisions.
The case stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Nikhil Saraf, who alleged that the Punjab Police had failed to act despite communications from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking an investigation into allegations against Ghuman.
On Monday, a High Court bench comprising Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor directed the CBI to register a criminal case and investigate the allegations. It also ordered the Punjab government and the state police to provide the agency with all necessary assistance to ensure a fair investigation.
According to the allegations placed before the High Court, the ED had flagged the role of Nitin Gohal, who allegedly acted as an intermediary for people seeking favours from the Punjab government.
The allegations include facilitating transfers, providing access to confidential government documents, obtaining arms licences and arranging other benefits in exchange for money.
After examining the material presented before it, the High Court ordered the CBI to register a case and investigate the matter. The Punjab government's petition before the Supreme Court seeks to overturn that direction.
- PTC NEWS
