CBI Director must come out in black and white on allegations: SC

CBI Director Ranjit Sinha was on Monday directed by the Supreme Court to come out in "black and white" on averments made against him for allegedly entertaining scam-tainted visitors at his official residence here, saying that it is a "serious" issue.

Taking serious objection to Sinha's reluctance not to file an affidavit on merits of the allegations, the apex court issued notice to him directing him to file response on plea to direct Centre to take steps for his removal and for ordering a SIT probe against him for allegedly abusing his authority.

"The averments are serious and the CBI director can't say he won't file an affidavit," a bench headed by Justice H L Dattu said, observing that adverse inferences can be also drawn against him for not responding to the allegations.

Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Sinha, pleaded that he doesn't want to file an affidavit as it would impact the trial in 2G scam case and also said that the court should not hear the issue as it is based on privileged communication within the agency and highly secret CBI file notings.

The bench, however, brushed aside the Director's plea that it should not entertain the case till the NGO, which filed the application, reveals the source of information.

Refusing to give credence to Sinha's objection, the bench said that even if there is some technical defects in the application, it can be ignored as the apex court has been monitoring the 2G case and wanted to ensure free and fair trial, which has come under cloud of suspicion after the alleged revelations.

"What prevents you to file an affidavit on merits?" the bench asked, adding, "Whatever you want to tell us, tell us in black and white."