SC for CBI probe into Radia tapes

Tells officials not to allow speculations on findings

The Supreme Court on Friday stumbled upon “extremely serious” issues which required a CBI probe, after going through some transcripts of corporate lobbyist Niira Radia’s telephone calls.

A bench of justices G S Singhvi and V Gopala Gowda indicated that orders may be passed for a CBI probe on Tuesday.

“It is an extremely serious issue…cases may be referred to the CBI as all of those are under the Prevention of Corruption Act. They are throwing light on different areas altogether. It is not confined to spectrum only,” the bench said.

While going through some of the transcripts, the court said new issues, similar to the appointment of Railway Board members, are cropping up where “actually money was paid.”

The court, however, granted CBI officials more time to prepare transcripts of all intercepted calls. They wanted three more months for the purpose.
“You (officials) have to be very cautious. Till something (concrete) is found, it should not be a matter of speculation (in media), otherwise it can cause harm to national interest,” the court said.

CBI given details

The bench allowed the CBI to share details of a sealed report, submitted to the court two days ago, with Additional Solicitor General L N Rao, who was representing the Income Tax department.

The court posted hearing on a petition filed by Ratan Tata and an NGO, CPIL, to October 22. Tata wanted the court to pass directions restraining leakage of private conversation, while the NGO urged the court to allow its disclosure in public interest.