Supreme Court allows investigation of ED officer in charge of 2G spectrum case | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Supreme Court allows investigation of ED officer in charge of 2G spectrum case

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByHT Correspondent
Jun 27, 2018 11:36 PM IST

The top court, in its order, also recorded government assurances with respect to the Aircel-Maxis case that it doesn’t want to protect anyone guilty of wrongdoing in the case, howsoever high

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the government to inquire into allegations of possession of disproportionate assets against senior Enforcement Directorate officer Rajeshwar Singh who is in charge of the investigation into alleged irregularities in the 2008 allocation of 2G spectrum and the Aircel-Maxis case.

A report relating to allegations against the ED officer investigating the 2G spectrum case was given to the Supreme Court by additional solicitor general Bikramjit Banerjee in a sealed envelope.(AP File Photo)
A report relating to allegations against the ED officer investigating the 2G spectrum case was given to the Supreme Court by additional solicitor general Bikramjit Banerjee in a sealed envelope.(AP File Photo)

“No officer probing the sensitive 2G cases should be under a cloud,” the Supreme Court said.

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

A vacation bench of justices Arun Mishra and Sanjay Kishan Kaul said the government is free to look into material against the officer despite a previous Supreme Court order giving him blanket protection against any probe or inquiry.

This bench said its “earlier interim orders” that protected Rajeshwar Singh “stand modified” in light of a report submitted by the central government into allegations against the officer. The court also said “it will be the call of the government whether the officer will have any role to play in further probe in Aircel-Maxis case.”

The court also remarked that the report submitted to the court was “very sensitive and is signed by the cabinet secretary.

The report involves national security issues and we feel it should be looked into and the things before us are startling”.

The report, in a sealed envelope, relating to allegations against the ED officer was given to the Supreme Court by additional solicitor general Bikramjit Banerjee. Hindustan Times is not aware of its contents.

The court, in its order, also recorded government assurances with respect to the Airce-Maxis case that it doesn’t want to protect anyone guilty of wrongdoing in the case, howsoever high, and that it would take the investigation in the case to its logical conclusion.

ED is probing former finance minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram for clearance given by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to Global Communication Holding Services Ltd in 2006 for an investment in Aircel.

Wednesday’s order by the Supreme Court comes in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a petitioner, Rajneesh Kapur, alleging that Rajeshwar Singh had amassed disproportionate assets beyond his known sources of income. Rajeshwar Singh has also filed a separate petition against Kapur and has claimed that attempts have been made to scuttle the ongoing probe in the Aircel-Maxis case.

Earlier, during a hearing in the case, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Subramanian Swamy came to the aid of the officer and told the court that the finance secretary was opposed to Rajeshwar Singh after the surfacing of the case involving Nirav Modi, the jeweller accused in an alleged Rs14,000 crore fraud at Punjab National Bank, and that the officer was being targeted.

All the petitions were disposed of by the Supreme court on Wednesday; the court clarified that the modification order was based on the report presented by the government on Rajeshwar Singh.

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, Mukhtar Ansari Death 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
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On