Supreme Court Shuns CBI's Plea on Jharkhand Assembly Probe

The Supreme Court dismissed the CBI's request to conduct a preliminary investigation into alleged appointment and promotion irregularities in the Jharkhand Assembly. The court criticized the agency for using its machinery in political disputes. Senior legal figures debated the matter, citing procedural concerns and questioning the necessity of the probe.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) plea to initiate a preliminary inquiry into claims of irregularities in appointments and promotions within the Jharkhand Assembly Secretariat. Dismissing the request, the court questioned the agency's involvement in what it described as 'political battles.'

Chief Justice B R Gavai, along with Justice K Vinod Chandran, underscored the court's stance, prominent legal figures intertwined in a heated debate. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal criticized the CBI's early court appearances on such matters. Additional Solicitor General S V Raju defended the CBI's actions, asserting their necessity in criminal inquiries.

Compounding the issue are unresolved legal complexities over service jurisprudence. The high court's earlier decision mandating the CBI's involvement faced criticism for presupposing wrongdoing without clear evidence of criminal conduct. The unfolding legal dispute draws attention to procedural intricacies and the boundaries of investigative oversight.

(With inputs from agencies.)