SC Judge Recuses From Punjab CBI Probe Case
The Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the agency to submit a report within two months.
New Delhi: Supreme Court judge Justice Sheel Nagu on Friday recused himself from hearing the Punjab government’s plea seeking a stay on a High Court order directing the CBI to investigate corruption allegations against persons linked to the AAP-led government.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the agency to submit a report within two months.
When the matter came before a bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice Datta said it could not be heard by Justice Nagu.
Justice Nagu had dealt with cases involving the Punjab government during his tenure as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court.
Senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, appearing for the state government, submitted that it was not relying on judgments dealt with by Justice Nagu.
“No, no. We are in very difficult times Gupta. One doesn't know where the attack will come from. There are 17 other benches. We will sign the order to place the case before the CJI, you mention,” Justice Datta said.
The Punjab government moved the Supreme Court on Monday against the High Court’s direction on a petition filed by advocate Nikhil Saraf.
The allegations concern payments for transfers and favourable policies. The petitioner alleged that no action had been taken despite communications from the Enforcement Directorate to the state government.