[Narada case] To be caged parrot is bad; to uncage it to such an extent that it flies into every house, wreaks havoc is worse: AM Singhvi on CBI

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Tuesday used some strong words to describe of conduct of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) while arguing on behalf of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders who were arrested in connection with the Narada scam. .Referring to the investigation agency that has been described as a "caged parrot" by the Supreme Court in 2013 owing to concerns surrounding its independence, Singhvi submitted before the Calcutta High Court today,“To be a caged parrot is bad. But to uncage it to such an extent that it flies into each and every house and wreaks havoc is worse.".Singhvi made the comment while trying to convince the Court that there was no apprehension of a breakdown of law and order in the State of West Bengal, as was contended by the CBI in its plea to transfer the cases against the TMC leaders..CBI sought a transfer of the case from the Special CBI Court in Kolkata to the Calcutta High Court or any other court, citing a threat to the probe agency on the ground that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other TMC leaders were sitting in dharna outside the agency's office in Kolkata, leading to obstruction of justice and an intimidating atmosphere. It was also contended that TMC leaders had gone to the premises where the Special CBI Court was situated..Today, Singhvi denied the claim that the Law Minister of the State went to the third floor of building where the Special CBI Court is situated. He went on to state,"There was no obstruction to CBI officials entering special court. The hearing was held virtually with judge sitting in his chamber. There was no argument of obstruction addressed before special court. It was an afterthought."He further claimed that there are no genuine photographs or video recordings which show that thousands had gathered in the special CBI court."The photographs submitted were unverified and unauthenticated and do not prove any such claims that thousand of people were present in court but only showed media persons," he said. The allegation by CBI is also smoke and mirrors, he added. .Noting that the FIR against the TMC leaders in the Narada scam was filed in 2014, Singhvi submitted that protests by certain leaders cannot be construed as their intention to impede the process of law. "Because someone is a high official does not mean that person will tamper with evidence. Then any accused minister can be arrested after 7 years without any ground."