Delhi High Court seeks CBI response on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad-Najma Heptulla 'morphed' photo

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court today sought CBI's response on a plea seeking probe into alleged morphing of a photo of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Najma Heptulla in a book published on the country's first education minister.

Justice Vibhu Bakhru issued notice to CBI while asking it to take instruction by November 14 on the plea moved by Azad's grandnephew Firoz Bakht Ahmed who alleged that the morphing was done at the instance of Heptulla when she was heading ICCR.

"It is a short question. If your are conducting investigation, then say yes. If not, than also you say us," the court said.

Meanwhile, the Centre, which was supposed to file its response, informed the court that it won't do so as the matter was not related to it.

The controversial photograph showing Azad seating with Heptulla after her graduation was published in Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) publication titled "Journey of a Legend, on the life of India's first Education Minister". The publication was later withdrawn by ICCR.

The petitioner alleged that the photograph is morphed as Heptulla had graduated in May 1958 whereas Azad died on February 22, 1958 and pleaded with the court for a CBI inquiry in the controversy.

Earlier, the court had said one court has already passed the order directing the CBI to probe into the allegations and bring the same to a logical conclusion as expeditiously as possible. "Why don't you (CBI) put that order in place?" the judge had said.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, had informed the court that on July 5, 2006 it had directed the probe agency to continue the investigation with respect to the allegations made and bring the same to a logical conclusion.