The Supreme Court has ordered a pause in the disproportionate assets case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, expressing concerns about due process and the need for natural justice.
On Monday, a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant of the Supreme Court directed the Allahabad High Court to defer the hearing of a case involving allegations of disproportionate assets against Rahul Gandhi. This comes after the High Court had previously instructed both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate to verify claims made by Bharatiya Janata Party worker S Vignesh Shishir that Gandhi possesses assets disproportionate to his income.
In May, the Allahabad High Court had issued these directives, as reported by Bar and Bench. In July, the High Court further directed the CBI to file a fresh affidavit explaining the status of its inquiry, stating that the earlier submission did not make the progress of the case clear.
Gandhi challenged these directions before the Supreme Court, leading to the recent order issued by the Supreme Court bench. The court expressed concerns about due process being followed and emphasized the principle of natural justice.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Kant was quoted as saying by Bar and Bench, 'Suppose somebody commits murders, etc police does not need permission.' He further added, 'But what appears to us is, subject to the assistance provided to us from both sides, if the court wants to issue a direction, the courts are expected to follow the principle of natural justice.'
Justice Joymalya Bagchi also questioned Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who was representing the CBI, asking whether the agency needed a court order to proceed if they knew about alleged disproportionate assets held by any person. Lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for Gandhi, raised questions about Shishir's legal standing to file a petition before the High Court.
It is important to note that this development does not imply a conclusion in the case against Rahul Gandhi. The Supreme Court order simply calls for a pause in the proceedings due to concerns about due process and the application of natural justice.
Source:
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