Shanti Bhushan's CD case: Delhi High Court slams Delhi police for lack of response

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court today slammed city police for not filing a rejoinder on its appeal against a CIC direction to it to make public forensic reports of a CD, purportedly containing conversation among senior lawyer Shanti Bhushan and politicians Amar Singh and Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Justice Manmohan also directed Delhi government standing counsel, representing city police, to remain present with an appropriate reply on next date of hearing on August 8. The court direction came after senior advocate Jayant Bhushan, appearing for RTI activist Subhash Chandra Agarwal, raised objection over Delhi Police counsel seeking adjournment of the matter.

"Last time also they (Delhi police) took adjournment. It's over an year," Bhushan said, adding that for last three years the petitioner has been waiting for an order of the court in the case. To which the judge said, "No adjournment will be given on next date. Now you come on August 8."

Earlier in 2011, the high court had stayed Central Information Commission (CIC) order on an appeal by Delhi Police against the panel's November 14, 2011 decision and directed Aggarwal to file his response.

The police in its plea had contended that it cannot comply with CIC order as the matter is sub-judice before a trial court. The CIC had directed Delhi Police and CFSL, Chandigarh to make public forensic reports on the allegedly doctored CD, carrying purported conversation among the two politicians and the lawyer. The Chandigarh forensic lab has already revealed its report on the CD, reportedly certifying it as doctored, Agarwal has claimed.