CBI Turf War: Delhi High Court Refuses to Stay Proceedings Against Rakesh Asthana, But Says No Arrest Till Oct 29

New Delhi, October 23: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined staying the proceedings initiated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against its own special director Rakesh Asthana. Hearing a petition filed by Asthana's counsel seeking the quashing of the FIR, the court said it would not intervene in the inquiry being conducted by the CBI.

The two-judge bench, comprising of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V Kameswar Rao, posted the matter for hearing on October 29. Till then, Asthana would not be arrested, the bench directed the CBI. Rakesh Asthana Relieved of All Duties by CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma: Report.

Senior Advocate Amarendra Sharan, who argued on behalf of Asthana, told the bench that his client is being booked based on the statements of Satish Sana, "who is himself" an accused in the Moin Qureshi bribery case.

Sana, a Hyderabad-based businessman, has accused Asthana of seeking a bribe of Rs 3 crore from him.

"This is a case of illegal registration of FIR against CBI Special Director based on a statement of an accused," Sharan said.

"This matter is of great urgency. The person whose arrest was recommended by Asthana has now been made a complainant and based on his complaint this FIR has been filed. Any investigation without proper permission will be illegal," Asthana's advocate further added.

The counsel representing the CBI, however, told the bench that the agency has collected incrementing evidence which makes it mandatory to prosecute Asthana.

"Charges are very serious against the accused including that of bribery. Charges under prevention of corruption act along with criminal conspiracy, extortion and forgery will be added." the agency's counsel added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2018 04:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).