SC allows new CBI chief to take over probe into 2G cases

The Supreme Court Monday permitted newly-appointed CBI Director Anil Sinha to take over the probe into 2G cases.

A bench headed by Chief Justice H.L.Dattu passed the order on an application by the probe agency seeking clarification on its earlier order removing then Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chief Ranjit Sinha from the investigation and prosecution of the 2G cases.

Noting Ranjit Sinha has retired and Anil Sinha has been appointed in his place, the court said that "in view of the subsequent development we permit him to take over and continue with investigation".

The court Dec 2 asked Ranjit Sinha to stay away from investigation and prosecution of 2G cases. The court's directive came on a plea by NGO Centre for Public Interest's lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who sought direction that Ranjit Sinha should desist from interfering in the investigation and prosecution of the 2G cases.

Bhushan claimed that Ranjit Sinha frequently met with the 2G accused or people allegedly operating on their behalf at his official residence.

The court had ordered Ranjit Sinha to recuse himself from 2G investigation and prosecution as it had held "credible" the allegations of interference and scuttling of investigation and prosecution by Sinha in the 2G spectrum cases.