HC refuses to quash CBI FIR on corruption charges against Anil Deshmukh

The HC also refused Deshmukh's request to stay its judgement to give him time to file an appeal against the same

The attempts of beleaguered former Maharashtra Home Minister and senior NCP leader Anil Deshmukh to secure relief were dashed when the Bombay High Court refused to quash the FIR of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against him.

“Deserved to be dismissed,” noted Justice SS Shinde and Justice NJ Jamadar, who comprised the division bench of the Bombay High Court hearing the plea.

The FIR was registered against Deshmukh and some unidentified persons on April 24 on allegations of corruption and misconduct following a preliminary inquiry (PE) that the CBI conducted in compliance with the high court's order.

Senior counsel Amit Desai, who represented Deshmukh, sought that the FIR be quashed. The bench also refused Deshmukh's request to stay its judgment to give him time to file an appeal against the same.

The CBI as well as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are carrying out investigations against Deshmukh.

Former Mumbai Police Commissioner and now Commandant General of Home Guards Param Bir Singh has alleged that Deshmukh had fixed a collection target of Rs 100 crore per month for now dismissed Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Vaze.

Deshmukh had alleged that the ongoing CBI inquiry against him was illegal since the central agency had not taken prior sanction from the Maharashtra government to prosecute him.

However, Additional Solicitor Generals Aman Lekhi and Anil Singh, who appeared for the CBI, had told the High Court that no sanction was required, as by indulging in corruption and misconduct, Deshmukh hadn't been discharging his official duties.