Coal news and updates

SC notice to CBI in coal scam case

While continuing the monitoring of the coal block allocation scam probe, the Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on a plea for inquiry into diversion of coal meant for ADAG's ultra mega power project in Sasan in Madhya Pradesh.

The court also called for CBI's response to a request on the recovery of diary and cash from an Aditya Birla Group office during raids in the scam.

The orders were passed in a public interest petition moved by Common Cause. The court took into record the latest status report on the scam.

Attorney-General Mukul Rohtagi suggested a team headed by the chief vigilance commissioner to probe the visitors' diary at the official residence of former CBI director Ranjit Sinha, which contained several prominent names involved in the scam.

However, Common Cause lawyer Prashant Bhushan objected to the proposal, as the present CVC's appointment itself was under challenge in the Supreme Court.

He has been accused of some irregularities in his official capacity in his earlier positions held in the government.

In view of the objection, the bench headed by Justice Madan Lokur wanted a team outside the CVC to conduct the inquiry. The name of former CBI chief M L Sharma was suggested by Justice A K Sikri.

The court then asked the attorney-general to find whether he was willing to head the probe, with the assistance of three other sleuths. Rohtagi was asked to bring the names of the persons by next Monday.

source: http://www.business-standard.com