SC Judge Justice Sheel Nagu Recuses Himself From Hearing Punjab Govt’s Plea Against CBI Probe Order
The Supreme Court judge stepped aside from the case challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order directing a CBI investigation into alleged corruption involving individuals linked to the AAP led state government.
New Delhi, October 9: Supreme Court judge Justice Sheel Nagu on Friday recused himself from hearing the Punjab government’s plea seeking a stay on a high court order directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate alleged corruption involving individuals linked to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led state government.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the CBI to conduct the investigation and submit its report within two months. The state government subsequently approached the Supreme Court, challenging the direction.
The matter came before a bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu. At the outset, Justice Datta indicated that Justice Nagu should not hear the case.
“This cannot be heard by Justice Nagu,” Justice Datta said.
Justice Nagu had frequently dealt with matters concerning the AAP led Punjab government during his tenure as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court.
Senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, appearing for the Punjab government, submitted that the state was not relying on judgments delivered by Justice Nagu.
Responding to the submission, Justice Datta observed that the case should be placed before another bench, citing the difficult circumstances surrounding judicial proceedings.
“We are in very difficult times Mr. Gupta. One doesn’t know, from where the attack will come from. There are 17 other benches,” Justice Datta said.
He added that an order would be signed to place the matter before the Chief Justice of India (CJI), following which the state government could mention the case.
The Punjab government had approached the Supreme Court on Monday, challenging the high court’s direction issued on a petition filed by advocate Nikhil Saraf.
The allegations raised in the matter include claims of cash payments for transfers and for securing favourable government policies.
The petitioner had argued that no action had been taken despite communications reportedly sent by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to the AAP government in Punjab.
The case concerns allegations of corruption and the need for an investigation into the claims. The allegations remain subject to examination through the appropriate legal process.
Following Justice Nagu’s recusal, the matter is to be placed before the Chief Justice of India for further directions regarding its listing before another bench.
