Delhi police has been directed to conduct a preliminary enquiry into the allegation that Essar tapped the phones of high-profile people and some Union ministers, the centre told the high court on Monday.
In view of additional solicitor general Sanjay Jain’s submission, a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal reserved its verdict on the plea seeking a court-monitored probe by a special investigation team (SIT) into the allegation of phone-tapping.
The bench said it will also pass orders regarding the issue of safety and security of the petitioner, Suren Uppal, and the sensitive data with him. It also noted that the promoters of Essar, in their response to the PIL, denied the allegations against the company.
During the brief hearing, Jain suggested that the sensitive material with Uppal could be kept in the custody of the court, but the bench did not agree. Uppal told the court that he wrote to the home secretary on June 22 regarding his and the material’s safety, but has not received any response yet.
Both the court and the additional solicitor general questioned why Albasit Khan, a former employee of Essar who allegedly gave the material to Uppal, contacted the petitioner and not anyone else.
{{/usCountry}}Both the court and the additional solicitor general questioned why Albasit Khan, a former employee of Essar who allegedly gave the material to Uppal, contacted the petitioner and not anyone else.
{{/usCountry}}The matter was taken up on Monday after two benches recused themselves from hearing the matter during the holidays due to personal reasons.