Fake degree row: HC asks BCD to file report on steps taken

The Delhi High Court today asked Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) to file its report on steps it has taken on a complaint against ex-law minister Jitender Singh Tomar seeking probe into his alleged fake law degree case.
"You (BCD) file your status report with regard to the investigation you carried out against respondent no. 5 (Tomar) and the steps you have taken," Justice V P Vaish said.
The court asked the law body to reply, after AAP MLA Tomar sought closing of the plea against him on the ground that a criminal case has already been registered against him and he was facing prosecution.

Tomar moved an application praying that the petition by Santosh Kumar Sharma does not survive as the issue was being probed by the police now.
To this, senior advocate K K Manan, appearing for BCD, told the court that after Tomar failed to file his response to the allegation levelled in a complaint by an advocate, they have sent a complaint to the police.
Manan also contended that the AAP leader has not furnished details with regard to his degree. So after granting him ample opportunity, they have handed over the case to the police, he said.

Manan also informed the court that BCD has set up a committee to look into the allegation of fake degree.

BCD also said that the petition before the high court can be closed as the police is already looking into the matter.
The court then asked BCD to file an affidavit on the steps it has taken instead of making an oral statement.
The court has now fixed the matter for October 28, by when BCD has to give its report. It will also consider on that day the application filed by Tomar seeking closure of the case.
Advocate Raj Shekhar Rao, the amicus curiae assisting the court, also contended that this petition does not survive as action has already been taken and criminal proceedings are pending against the AAP MLA.

49-year-old Tomar, MLA from Trinagar, was arrested in the morning of June 9 following an investigation into a complaint by BCD that he had obtained a fake law degree from Bihar college. Presently Tomar is on bail.