Narada case: SC tells CBI to withdraw plea against house arrest

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to withdraw its petition against the house arrest of four West Bengal TMC leaders in the Narada case, as the matter is pending before the Calcutta High Court's five-judge constitution bench.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard the CBI plea challenging the house arrest of four Trinamool Congress leaders in the Narada sting operation case.

The SC during the hearing directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to withdraw its petition against the house arrest as the matter is still pending before the Calcutta High Court's five-judge constitution bench.

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The bench comprising of Justices Vineet Saran and BR Gavai said that the High Court is also a constitutional court and transferring the case out of the state will demoralize the High Court.

On CBI's contention that the Chief Minister, Law minister etc created law and order problem having sat on a dharna, and her supporters gheraoing the CBI complex, the court said that it doesn't support the actions and the CBI is free to take any action against those who caused interference.

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Justices Vineet Saran and B.R. Gavai told the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, "Why should the accused persons be made to suffer because of a dharna by the chief minister and law minister? "Proceed against them if you wish to."

The bench added that it does not appreciate such dharnas by the chief minister to pressurize the agency, but can the accused be made to suffer?

Justice Gavai also added," whether the persons against whom the chargesheet has been filed are more in a position to influence the case than the persons against whom the chargesheet has not been filed."

CBI has been given the liberty to raise issues before the HC along with other parties of the case and that the matter has been disposed of in the top court.

(With inputs from agencies)