PNB fraud case: Centre rejects courtmonitored investigation

NEW DELHI: The Centre strongly rejected the institution of a courtmonitored probe into the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, with Attorney General of India KK Venugopal opposing the Supreme Court’s suggestion that the government file a status report on the investigation in a sealed cover.

“This would amount to a parallel enquiry,” Venugopal told a bench led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra when the latter was about to issue an order to the effect. “On what principle can a court, including the Supreme Court, ask for a sealed cover report on the investigation underway? In this case 18 persons have been arrested, including eight government officers,” the government’s top law officer said, taking strong exception to the court seeking a report on the case.

Venugopal said there was no justification to call upon the investigating agencies to show what they are doing. His submission came when the bench took up a public interest litigation filed by a lawyer who wanted the top court to ensure the government brings back Nirav Modi, the prime accused in the PNB fraud case, to India within two months. The lawyer also asked for issuance of fresh guidelines on grant of big loans.

Venugopal questioned the manner in which PILs are filed in courts in criminal cases, even before agencies start their investigation. “And orders are being passed frequently by courts on such petitions. This will bring down the morale of the (investigating) officers,” the AG submitted, asking the court not to entertain the PIL unless the petitioner proves there is something wrong with the probe.

The court has deferred the case to April 9.