Delhi HC seeks centre’s stand on plea for SIT probe into Sunanda Pushkar’s death | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Delhi HC seeks centre’s stand on plea for SIT probe into Sunanda Pushkar’s death

Press Trust of India, New Delhi | ByPress Trust of India
Jul 12, 2017 01:55 PM IST

Swamy has alleged that “inordinate delay” has been caused in the investigation “which is a blot on the justice system”.

The Delhi high court sought to know the stand of the Centre on BJP leader Subramanian Swamy’s plea for a court-monitored probe by the CBI-led SIT into the death of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s wife Sunanda Pushkar.

Sunanda Pushkar and Shashi Tharoor during their wedding reception at India Habitat Centre on September 5, 2010 in New Delhi.(HT File Photo)
Sunanda Pushkar and Shashi Tharoor during their wedding reception at India Habitat Centre on September 5, 2010 in New Delhi.(HT File Photo)

A bench of Justices GS Sistani and PS Teji, who did not issue notice in the matter, has said that it needs to hear the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the CBI and the Delhi Police on the plea.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The court has fixed the matter for hearing on July 20.

Swamy has alleged that “inordinate delay” has been caused in the investigation “which is a blot on the justice system”.

Pushkar was found dead in a suite of a five-star hotel in south Delhi here on the night of January 17, 2014.

Swamy, who was arguing in person, submitted in the court that the investigation into Pushkar’s death is at the stage of FIR and no evidence has been recorded so far.

He along with advocate Ishkaran Singh Bhandari, who has filed the petition, alleged that many of the evidences in the case have been destroyed.

“This matter is of national and international interest as the victim was about to disclose about alleged corruption in cricket. She had also called for a press conference before her death to disclose about the same,” Swamy submitted.

He further alleged that the Congress MP was influencing investigation into the matter.

To this, the court replied, “Neither his (Tharoor’s) party is in power nor he is a minister anymore.”

It said that before passing any order it needs to hear the opposite parties, therefore, the Additional Solicitor General (representing MHA) should be informed about the matter before the next date of hearing.

The plea, which was filed last week, has sought setting up of a multi-disciplinary Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Intelligence Bureau, the Enforcement Directorate, RAW, the Delhi Police and headed by the CBI to probe the case.

“The case referred to in this petition is an extreme example of the slow motion of the criminal justice process and the extent to which it can be subverted by the rich and influential,” the plea submitted.

“The fact that influential political personalities and their henchmen are involved presents an added dimension to the issue and raises questions on the efficacy of the existing systems and practices to counter the moves of such influential persons facing serious criminal charges,” it submitted.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On