After 2G case, SC issues notice to CBI director in coal scam

A day after the Supreme Court issued notice to CBI director Ranjit Sinha for allegedly protecting some accused in 2G case, its another bench today sought explanation from the top cop on similar allegations in the coal scam.
A bench headed by Chief Justice R M Lodha issued notice to the CBI director on a plea seeking an SIT probe against him for allegedly protecting the accused in Coalgate and to keep him away from the investigation and prosecution in the multi- crore scam.
Granting 10 days time to him to file his response to the allegations, the bench, however, refused to pass any order for recusal of Sinha in the case.

The court posted the case for further hearing on September 19.
At the begining of the proceeding, the bench observed that an order has already been passed by another bench of the apex court against Sinha and no further order is required.
But advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for an NGO, which filed application against Sinha, contended that yesterday's order was on the 2G case and the court could pass order pertaining to the coal scam.

Thereafter, the bench agreed to issue notice to Sinha and posted the case after next date of hearing of 2G scam, which is to take place on September 15, when the apex court will look into the response filed by the CBI director.

In the application filed in the court, NGO Common Cause had referred to reports about the entry register at Sinha's residence containing names of "influential" persons allegedly involved in the coal scam.
It accused him of scuttling the probe in the "high magnitude" coal scam case in which 20 FIRs for offences of corruption, cheating and criminal conspiracy have been lodged and two charge sheets filed in the trial court.