In a major relief to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, the State High Court on Thursday asked the CBI not to arrest him and his wife in a disproportionate assets case. However, the court directed the Central agency to go ahead with the investigation.
“...by way of abundant precaution, it’s made clear that the petitioners shall not be arrested,” a division bench of Justice Rajiv Sharma and Justice Sureshwar Singh Thakur said while hearing a writ petition filed by Virbhadra Singh.
Virbhadra Singh said in his petition that the CBI’s action of raiding his residences was done with mala fide and political vendetta.
The Court observed that “there is a prima facie case in favour of the petitioners and the balance of convenience is also in their favour”.
“The petitioners will suffer irreparable loss and injury in case interim directions are not issued at this stage. The Central Bureau of Investigation is dircted to go ahead with the investigation but the statements of the petitioners shall not be recorded without the leave of the court,” the court said.
Regarding interrogation of the Chief Minister and his wife Pratibha Singh following the registration of the case on September 23, the High Court said: “It’s also made clear that as and when the dossier is complete, it shall be open for the CBI to approach this court for permission to interrogate the petitioners in accordance with law.”
It further clarified to the CBI that it shall not file a challan without the express leave of this court. “These observations shall have no bearing on the pendency of any case, including before the Delhi High Court.”
The Chief Minister on Wednesday moved the High Court to seek relief in the CBI case registered against him followed raids on 13 premises, including his residences in State capital Shimla and Delhi.