The division bench of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice AP Bhangale were hearing a petition filed by Simpreet Singh, seeking a CBI probe into the scam in which state as well as central government officers are suspected to be involved.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday informed the Bombay high court that following a reference from the ministry of defence it has already commenced an inquiry into the Adarsh Housing Society scam.
The division bench of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice AP Bhangale were hearing a petition filed by Simpreet Singh, seeking a CBI probe into the scam in which state as well as central government officers are suspected to be involved. Singh’s advocate Ashish Mehta submitted the concern that CBI is limiting its inquiry to central government officers. “Partial probe is not in public interest,” he said. Mehta submitted that this is a “high-profile case” but the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is not willing to look into it. He further asked the court to constitute a committee of persons having “high integrity”.
Additional solicitor Darius Kambata, appearing for the CBI, submitted a preliminary inquiry registration report to the court. “It is not limited to ownership of the land. The terms of reference are very wide,” he added. He said the CBI needs the cooperation of the state government including infrastructure and asked for a direction to this effect.
The judges said they agree with Kambata’s suggestion to defer the hearing so that CBI and the state “can formulate a mechanism on basis of which matter can be inquired into so that the real culprits are booked”. The CBI adjourned the matter till December 20.
Mehta also argued that evidence is being destroyed and last week the Urban Development Department filed a FIR stating that four pages of notings were missing. “Two agencies are taking note of this issue. Will you give them some time?” Justice Khanwilkar asked Mehta.
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