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SC rejects Parambir Singh's plea for CBI probe, IPS officer to approach HC

Bench acknowledged "the matter is serious", but noted power of Article 226 is wide

(File) Parambir Singh (centre)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a plea from former Mumbai Police commissioner Parambir Singh for a CBI probe into his allegations against Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh.

Parambir had approached the Supreme Court on Tuesday, drawing attention to the allegations he made against Deshmukh in a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray last week. Parambir alleged Deshmukh had asked suspended police officer Sachin Vaze to extort Rs 100 crore from various businesses.

Parambir's plea was argued by senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi before the Supreme Court bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy. The bench was quoted by Bar and Bench as saying, "We do acknowledge the matter is serious. But power of Article 226 is wide. The High Court can deal with it." Article 226 of the Constitution empowers High Courts to issue directions, orders or writs for enforcement of various rights. After the Supreme Court observed, "Liberty to approach the High Court granted," Parambir withdrew his plea and said he would approach the Bombay High Court.

Parambir had approached the Supreme Court citing Article 32 of the Constitution, which empowers the Supreme Court to issue orders for enforcement of rights. Parambir cited Article 32 as the Maharashtra government had withdrawn general consent for the CBI to investigate within the state.