Supreme Court removes CBI Director Ranjit Sinha from 2G investigation; Recalls order requiring disclosure of whistleblower’s identity

In a significant development in the 2G Spectrum allocation scam, the Supreme Court today directed CBI Director Ranjit Sinha to “recuse” from the investigation of cases relating to the scam. The Court held that the information given by the petitioner NGO, Centre for PIL (Petitioner) is prima facie credible and directed Sinha not to interfere with the investigation further. The Court also recalled its order dated September 15, 2014 by which it had directed the Petitioner to disclose the name of the whistleblower who had revealed the details of the visitors’ log book at Ranjit Sinha’s residence..The order was passed by a three judge Bench presided by Chief Justice HL Dattu and comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and AK Sikri..This was after continuous hearing for three days during which the court witnessed heated exchange of words between two senior lawyers – Dushyant Dave appearing for the Petitioner and Vikas Singh representing Ranjit Sinha. The Petitioner had alleged that the CBI Director was trying to scuttle the investigation in order to protect accused persons. It had also produced the visitors’ log book at Sinha’s residence which contained names of various persons accused in the scam..Interestingly, the Court categorically stated in its order that it is refraining from giving a long order with elaborate reasons lest the image of the investigating agency be tarnished..The court also recorded in its order that the second senior most officer involved in the investigation of 2G cases would now replace Sinha..As usual, today’s hearing was also marred by drama as the Court pulled up CBI officers for attending the court hearing instead of being on duty. This was after Senior advocate KK Venugopal – who has been representing the CBI in the case – told the Court that the Joint Director of CBI, Ashok Tiwari directed him not to represent the CBI further in the case..On hearing that, the Court told Tiwari that he could not act as an agent of the CBI Director. “If he wants to communicate anything, he can do it directly”, the Court said..The Court also took exception to the fact CBI officers were skipping their official duty to attend court hearing. When Ranjit Sinha’s counsel Vikas Singh tried to defend them by saying that they were present in the court to give clarifications, Justice Dattu made it clear that, “We have not called them. If we need any clarification, we will call them”..Moreover, there was embarrassment in store for the Central government as well, when Senior Advocate Anand Grover informed the Court that the notification appointing him as the Special Public Prosecutor in the case has not yet been issued. Subsequently, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi assured the Court that it would be issued soon..Image courtesy:.Justice HL Dattu.Ranjit Sinha