PDS scam: SC asks ex-MLA to move Chhattisgarh HC or lodge FIR

The Supreme Court today asked a former legislator and others, who have sought a court- monitored CBI probe in alleged scam to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore in the public distribution system in Chhattisgarh, to either move the High Court or lodge an FIR in the case.
A bench headed by Justice T S Thakur, however, kept the petitions for hearing on July 27 and asked the petitioners to provide more information in support of their claims.
Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the state of Chhattisgarh, vehemently opposed the pleas by terming them as the part of "political vendetta".

The bench, during brief hearing, also asked senior lawyer and former Minister Kapil Sibal as to whether he was appearing in the case to settle political score, saying "are you fighting political battle through this?"
"I will leave the case if that is the impression. In fact, two Congress people are also involved," Sibal responded.
The bench, also comprising Justices V Gopala Gowda and R Banumathi, asked about the petitioners and directed them to go to the Chhattisgarh High Court or lodge an FIR and then come to it, if nothing happens there.

Referring to the Vyapam scam, Sibal said that influential persons in the states were involved and the state police cannot do justice to the investigation.

He also referred to the alleged recovery of a diary during the probe and said the names of various recipients of illegal monies are mentioned.
The bench then said "You (Sibal) know the fate of the Jain Hawala diary."
"This is a serious scam," Sibal said adding that several persons have been made accused in it.
The Attorney General alleged that Sibal was not stating the complete facts of the case.
One of the petitions was filed by former MLA Virendra Pandey from Chhattisgarh seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged PDS scam.
The Chhattisgarh anti-corruption bureau (ACB) is probing the alleged irregularities in supply of rice through the PDS in the state.