Supreme Court dismisses Maharashtra govt plea against CBI probe into transfers, postings of police officers by former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to interfere with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against the former State Home Minister of Maharashtra, Anil Deshmukh and dismissed the plea filed by Maharashtra government in this regard.

While hearing the matter, the Bench remarked that the purpose of directions passed by a Constitutional Court will be defeated if consent under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act comes into play.

This came in response to submissions by Senior Advocate Rahul Chitnis that consent of the State government is essential for extension of powers and jurisdiction of special police establishments like CBI to other areas.

"If you talk about consent, it will defeat the direction passed by the constitutional court," said Justice DY Chandrachud.

Backing this stance, Justice MR Shah further questioned, "Which government will give consent to investigation where their Home Minister is involved?"

The Court remarked that there was no reason for it to interfere after the High Court ordered an investigation and the Supreme Court approved it.

The plea was, therefore, dismissed.

Meanwhile, the same Bench will continue hearing today the plea by Anil Deshmukh against a Bombay High Court order refusing to quash the CBI FIR in a corruption case.