Coalgate Scam: AG maintains he did not see CBI report; ASG Raval likely to resign while CBI pulled up for failing to maintain independence

The Supreme Court today took a very stern view of the contradictory stance taken by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the scam relating to the allocation of coal blocks. The matter was heard by a three judge Bench of Justices R.M. Lodha, Madan B. Lokur and Kurian Joseph in a packed Court no.4..The Court pulled up the CBI for what it termed as a ‘breach of trust’ and called for steps to ensure that the independence of the institution was maintained, and the institution was, henceforth, not maligned..The Court categorically asked why the CBI had not disclosed to the Court that the probe report on the coalgate scam dated March 8, 2013 was shared with the political executive. It further said that the CBI had in fact asserted, through Additional Solicitor General Haren Raval, that the report was not shared with the “political executive” while, the affidavit submitted by CBI Director Ranjit Sinha last week stated the contrary..The Court also demanded why the affidavit submitted by Ranjit Sinha had not given details with respect to any changes made in draft report..The Court observed that the CBI had to be liberated from the extraneous intrusions and influences to ensure impartial investigation, and said that CBI need not obey orders of persons who have administrative control over them..Today’s hearing came a day after ASG Raval sent a letter to Attorney General GE Vahanvati accusing him of influencing the CBI’s investigation in the coal scam and alleging that he has been made a “scapegoat” in the matter. However, the AG, who appeared today before the Court maintained that he had never seen a copy of the status report..The Court has also directed Senior Counsel U. U. Lalit, appearing for CBI, to ensure that an affidavit is filed setting out the details of the CBI officers involved in the investigation. It also sought details on the law pertaining to the procedure by which CBI can share details of investigation with third parties..In a connected incident, ASG Raval has been asked to resign after his letter to the AG..The Court has now fixed the next date of hearing on May 8, 2013.