Supreme Court dismisses Maharashtra plea challenging CBI probe against its former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh

The Supreme Court has Today dismissed Maharashtra Government's plea against the CBI probe ordered by the Bombay High Court against the former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh.

A division bench of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice MR Shah said that they are not inclined to interfere with the order.

The plea has been filed by the Maharashtra Government challenging the Bombay High Court order, allowing CBI investigation into posting and transfer of Police officers by the former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh.

Advocate Rahul Chitnis appearing for the Maharashtra Government initially sought adjournment in the matter and later on the perusal of the bench started arguing.

Chitnis said that all the complaints are related to collections from bars and restaurants and nothing is in relation to postings.

However, Justice Chandrachud said, "Here we're concerned with allegations that undue influence was being exercised for collection of amount from bars & restaurants."

To which Justice Shah also added, "FIR was just an initial reporting, and investigation is not in relation to the transfer Mr Chitnis, you tell which government will give consent when his own minister is there. An impression is also being made that you are supporting them."

The bench while considering these aspects dismissed the plea while stating that they are not inclined to interfere with this.

Anil Deshmukh's litigious chain in SC

Pursuant to issuance of fresh summons seeking former Maharashtra’s home minister presence on July 5, Anil Deshmukh has also moved the Supreme Court seeking protection from any coercive action in a money laundering case.

 

The Supreme Court is expected to streamline the timeline for deciding issues relating to Enforcement Directorate's powers for taking on investigations, issuance of summons, carrying out arrests etc. and hear the cases which will affect a number of high profile cases concerning Money Laundering soon.

The petitions concerning the Karti Chidambaram’s INX media case, Akali Dal minister Sarwan Phillaur's corruption case, e-Tender scam in Madhya Pradesh as well as the money laundering charges against diamond trader Ritesh Jain and others will see light of day as well, including that of former Home Minister of Maharashtra, Anil Deshmukh.

Case Title- State of Maharashtra vs. The Central Bureau of Investigation and Ors.