Hearing on Mulayam's review petition on Friday

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday posted to Friday hearing of a review petition filed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav challenging the institution of a preliminary CBI inquiry into the alleged disproportionate assets owned by him and his family members.

A Bench of Justice AR Lakshmanan and Justice Altamas Kabir also agreed to hear the review petition in an open court.

The decision to hear the review petition in an open court marks a significant departure from established conventions as such petitions are normally heard in the chambers of the judges.

The Bench agreed to go for the hearing in the open court after senior counsel Mukul Rohatagi pleaded that the matter be heard in public as it was an issue of considerable importance.

The Bench on Tuesday dismissed an interim application moved by Yadav seeking a stay of the CBI inquiry till the conclusion of the ensuing polls in the state.

While dismissing the application, the Bench had suggested the Chief Minister to file a review petition on the issue.