The BJP government's decision to hand over the phone-tapping case to the CBI is the most appropriate move in this situation, considering the various factors involved. While any other investigation could have followed the regular course, this one is in danger of political bias. Critics would have no doubt said that the ruling party in the state can influence the course of the investigation.
A transfer to the CBI is a good move, overall. The case is not particularly complex, any good investigating agency could have done the job. However, taking it away from local jurisdiction is ideal.
The right to privacy is sacred. In the context of the political situation, anybody who misuses the media or electronic communication system to tap conversations or gain an advantage by misusing their authority, poses a grave danger to the democratic system.
Those who wield that power are normally paid government officials, who ought to know better. If they throw their weight about, to favour a particular person or party above all the rest, they must face the consequences of that choice.
The argument that the central government will use this opportunity to finish off a regional party doesn't hold water. Of course, some people of the party are invovled and they must face the music. That is all. If it affects the party's reputation and its future prospects, well, that's a consequence too.
CBI received a virtual carte blance from the state government. They will have the legal jurisdiction to register and investigate the case and bring it to its logical conclusion.
The author L Revanasiddaiah is a retired IPS officer-turned- politician who was also part of the investigation into the Bofors scam
