“Has CBI come to a standstill?” Delhi HC directs CBI to maintain status quo in Rakesh Asthana case

The Delhi High Court today directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to maintain status quo in the matter pertaining to the FIR filed against former Special Director Rakesh Asthana..In effect, the Court extended the interim protection from arrest granted to Asthana till November 1, and has asked the CBI to file its reply in the matter on or before October 31..The Court came down heavily on the CBI for its failure to file a reply. Justice Najmi Waziri, while hearing the matter, said,.“If the CBI is not interested in doing anything...then what can we do? Your (CBI) assistance should be forthcoming.”.The counsel for CBI told the Court that they needed more time to file their reply and added that the Supreme Court is seized of the matter. This submission was immediately countered by Justice Waziri who said,.“Is the Supreme Court seized of this specific matter? Has notice been issued by the Supreme Court in this?”, while referring to the matter where the petitioners have sought quashing of the FIR..The matter before the Supreme Court refers to the order passed by the Centre which divested Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana of their powers. The case before the Delhi High Court, however, pertains to a prayer of quashing of the FIR filed by the CBI against Rakesh Asthana and others..When the CBI sought time to file its reply, Justice Waziri asked the Counsel,.“Has the institution of CBI come to a standstill?”.Justice Waziri has also directed the counsel for CBI to furnish the name of the person who is responsible for instructing the dounsel in their case..The CBI has been directed to file its reply in the case on or before October 31. The next date of hearing is set for November 1..In the meanwhile, the interim order of maintaining status quo shall continue, said the Delhi High Court.