TMC draws flak from SC for casting aspersion on HC for asking CBI to probe Narada sting operation

The Mamata Banerjee government on Tuesday drew flak from the Supreme Court for “casting aspersions” on the high court over its order asking the CBI to probe the Narada sting operation in which several ruling TMC leaders were allegedly caught on camera receiving money.

The West Bengal government’s counsel tendered an “unqualified apology” and sought to withdraw the appeal after apex court said that “the state transgressed the propriety of reasonableness”.

The apex court, which on Tuesday upheld the HC order for CBI probe, “dismissed as withdrawn” the plea of the state government

A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar termed as “most unfortunate” the grounds raised in the appeal filed by the state government against the Calcutta High Court order of March 17 and said that the plea deserved “outright rejection”.

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“We are satisfied that state transgressed the propriety of reasonableness and the grounds raised are most unfortunate and call for outright rejection”, the bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul, said.

In its appeal, the West Bengal government challenged the High Court order saying that it was “erroneous”, “contrary to law” and hence “liable to be struck down”.

It had also contended that the order was passed in “haste” as the state police was already taking steps in the matter.

The Calcutta High Court had on March 17 ordered the CBI to conduct a preliminary probe into the Narada sting operation in which some TMC leaders were seen allegedly taking money.

It had directed the CBI to take possession of all material and devices related to the sting operation within 24 hours and to conclude the preliminary inquiry within another 72 hours.