An appeal in Patna High Court against CBI Court’s order acquitting Lalu Prasad and his wife in disproportionate-asset case was possible only because Bihar is presently ruled by rivals of RJD supremo. Otherwise CBI decided not to go in the appeal evidently because it could never get a nod from Union government for the same. Allegations and strictures are usually passed against CBI for being ‘His Masters Voice’ of political rulers at the centre. Even Lalu Prasad is an important ally of ruling UPA government.
A fair system should be evolved by making CBI a fully autonomous body by selecting its head by unanimity between Prime Minister and Opposition Leader in the manner CVC is selected. Permission to get nod from Union Law Ministry for CBI filing appeals should not be necessary because such permission is deliberately delayed/avoided in politically sensitive cases to favour political rulers.
Subhash C. Agrawal
Delhi