CBI ready to apologize to Justice Dash for raiding his house by mistake

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday apprised the Supreme Court of its keenness to tender unconditional apology to Justice CR Dash of Orissa High Court, whose house they tried to raid last month..A bench of Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan was hearing a transfer petition by CBI seeking transfer of the petition pending in Orissa High Court to Delhi..The CBI had mistaken Justices Dash’s house for Justice IM Qudussi’s house and tried to conduct a raid when they realised their mistake..According to News18, ASG Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, told the Court yesterday that the CBI is willing to tender an unconditional apology for the unfortunate incident that took place..He also submitted that the CBI had sought an appointment from the office of Justice Dash, which was not approved. He prayed that the proceedings against the erring officials be dropped..Mehta also requested the bench that the case may be heard in presence of the Orissa High Court Bar Association members stating that he would be able to persuade them to come for the hearing..The CBI had, on September 19, tried to raid Justice Dash’s house mistaking it for the house of Justice IM Qudussi against whom a corruption case had been registered. Later, the CBI officials had realised that they had arrived at the residence of the wrong person, and thereafter, exited the premise..In reaction to the incident, members of the Orissa High Court Bar Association had decided to resolve to cease work, a decision which was taken in an extraordinary General Body meeting held on September 21..The HC bar association had also resolved to file a petition in the High Court seeking a judicial inquiry against the officials of CBI. The High Court had issued notice to the CBI in the petition..The matter will now be heard by the Supreme Court after the Diwali break in presence of the Orissa Bar Association members..Click here to download the Bar & Bench Android App