While examining the affidavit submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the coal scam, the Supreme Court on Wednesday slammed the agency. It was the most insulting phrase for the CBI when the apex court called a “caged parrot speaking in its master’s voice”.
The court was stunned to see the credibility of the CBI getting affected. The three-judge bench headed by Justice RM Lodha sought an undertaking from the government that the CBI would be independent or autonomous body. It should not be a part of the government or could not be used as a weapon of the government. The court may intervene and put pressure on the government if the CBI is not made an autonomous body. The Centre was asked to come out with a new law before July 10 to separate CBI from the government influence.
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The court came down heavily on the government saying that even after 15 years of the Vineet Narayan judgment, the situation in the country has become much worse as far as CBI autonomy is concerned. “What is the CBI? Is it a collaborator or an investigator,” the SC asked.
The bench also slammed officials of the PMO and Coal Ministry for attending the March 6 meeting and suggesting changes to the Coalgate report prepared by the agency. The job of the CBI is to interrogate and not interact with the government, the court added.
The court’s reaction came after the CBI report on coal scam was changed on the suggestion of the government. The agency admitted their fault before the court.