Supreme Court Clarifies High Court’s Authority in Investigation Entrustment to CBI

The Supreme Court emphasized the need for reasoning when high courts entrust a case to the CBI, setting aside a Calcutta High Court order for lack of justification. The directive concerned allegations in letters related to the recruitment of voluntary teachers in Gorkha Territorial Administration.

The Supreme Court emphasized the necessity for high courts to provide the rationale behind their decisions when entrusting investigation of cases to the CBI.

This clarification came as the apex court set aside a Calcutta High Court order that directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary examination of allegations regarding the recruitment of voluntary teachers in the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA).

Justice B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan noted that the single judge's order lacked justification on why the state police's investigation was deemed unfair. The apex court ruled that such an exercise could not be undertaken merely on the basis of letters and remanded the matter back to the single judge for decision in accordance with the law.

(With inputs from agencies.)