SC takes exception over CBI seeking adjournment in a case

Supreme Court today took exception over CBI seeking adjournment in a case in which the question of entrusting investigation of offence to the agency without the consent of state government has come under scrutiny.
A bench comprising Justices Ranjan Gogoi and P C Pant said that the outcome of this case would have a wide effect for CBI in a number of cases and pulled up the agency after its counsel sought adjournment to seek instructions.
It also expressed displeasure over incomplete paperbooks supplied by CBI counsel.
The apex court was hearing a case filed by CBI against a Buddhist monk Budha Priya Mahathrea who was investigated by it for allegedly procuring congratulatory messages from constitutional functionaries during UPA regime in 2009 without their permission for an in-house publication.

Senior advocate Aman Sinha, appearing for Sealdah native Mahathrea, said state consent was mandatory under section 6 of Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946 before extending its jurisdiction.
He said the case was first registered by the state police and the accused was exonerated.
However, today an adjournment was sought by CBI on the ground of unpreparedness of the concerned Additional Solicitor General.
The matter will come up for final hearing after two weeks.