Himachal CM approaches SC against Delhi HC order

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Wednesday filed an appeal in the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court order refusing to quash an FIR lodged against him in connection with a disproportionate assets case.

Singh challenged the March 31 order which, while refusing to quash the FIR against Singh and his wife, also vacated a Himachal Pradesh High Court's October 1, 2015 order restraining the CBI from arresting, interrogating or filing a chargesheet in the case without the court's permission.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on September 23, 2015 filed an FIR against Singh and his wife under Sections 13(2) and 13(1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 109 of the IPC.

The CBI had registered an FIR for property of Rs 6 crore allegedly amassed between 2009 and 2012 during Singh's tenure as Union Steel Minister.

The CBI sought to vacate the Himachal Pradesh High Court order contending that it was hampering the investigation. The order had come on the Chief Minister's plea to quash the FIR lodged against him.

The Supreme Court in November 2015 transferred the case to Delhi High Court terming it as required "to protect the judiciary from embarrassment".

Singh had alleged that the CBI had overstepped its jurisdiction in filing the case as the cause of action did not arise in the territory of Delhi.

On the other hand, the CBI had contended that the allegations against Singh in the case were "very serious" as a huge amount of money was involved and the state government had shown "over anxiety" in protecting him.

Singh, his wife and children are also facing investigation by the Enforcement Directorate for the same charges of corruption.

--IANS

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