[Anil Deshmukh case] Bombay High Court issues notice to Maharashtra govt after CBI says its officers being threatened

The Bombay High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Maharashtra government on a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking directions to the State to provide certain documents required for the ongoing probe against former State Home Minister Anil Deshmukh..The Court also noted with seriousness the allegation by CBI that its officers are being threatened by State Police. The Bench said that the State should strictly follow the Court's directions so that it is not compelled to take action against State officers. "Please ensure that the directions given by this court and the order are followed in letter and spirit and do not create a situation where we are compelled to take action against (State) officers," the Court stated.The application before the High Court was filed after a Bench of Justices SS Shinde and NJ Jamadar had earlier dismissed a plea filed by the Maharashtra government seeking Court intervention into two paragraphs in the FIR which pertained to transfer and posting of police officers during the time Deshmukh served as Home Minister. .Bombay High Court dismisses Maharashtra govt plea against CBI probe into transfers, postings of police officers by former HM Anil Deshmukh.In its present plea, the CBI stated that in response to their requests, the State police refused to give a copy of documents connected to the case and it was in clear violation of the High Court order. In their refusal letter, the State government stated that since a Special Leave Petition had been filed before the Supreme Court, they were waiting for the outcome of the case..Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh stated that "this was in clear violation of the order of the High Court which had categorically refused a stay on their order" He submitted that "CBI had made a statement that they will not ask for the documents during the pendency of the petition. That was continued till pendency of the petition. Now they (the State) are not complying with the order. They have threatened CBI officers too.".The Court then asked the Chief Public Prosecutor Aruna Pai to get instructions on the aspect of CBI officers being threatened. "Some ACP is threatening the CBI officers. Please find out what are directions situation. Please do not create an unfair situation that we have to take them to task," Justice Shinde said. .They also asked the State to check all the directions which had been issued by the Court in its order."The order may be challenged before the Supreme Court.. but the concern is you are not giving them documents. We will issue notice because you are saying there is threatening also," the Bench stated. .After issuing notice, the Court directed the State to ensure that "the directions by this court (High Court) and the order are followed in letter and spirit."The Court also directed CBI to add Additional Chief Secretary of State (from the Home Department) as a party respondent. The matter will be heard again on August 11..The CBI application stated that post the order of the High Court, CBI addressed two letters to the Cyber Police Station, Mumbai on July 23, 2021 seeking certified copy of the report submitted by IPS Officer Rashmi Shukla for the purpose of investigation. They also sought a copy of the communication addressed by Shukla to the then Director General of Police of Maharashtra..CBI is conducting investigation in the FIR registered by CBI against Deshmukh after the Bombay High Court had given permission for inquiry on April 5, 2021 on a petition filed by Param Bir Singh, former Commissioner of Mumbai Police. Permission was given to inquire into the complaint filed in this regard by Dr. Jaishri Patil..The enquiry revealed that cognizable offence is made out against Deshmukh and other unknown accused who attempted to obtain undue advantage for improper and dishonest performance of their public duty.