New Delhi [India], April 23 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notice on a plea moved by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) against a Lokapal order directing the CBI to investigate the party's properties and restrained Lokapal of India from taking any further steps till the next date of hearing.
The bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad on Tuesday, after hearing the initial submissions of Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for JMM, fixed the matter for May 10, 2024, for a detailed hearing. Sibal submitted that the two said properties belong to the political party and not Soren.
The bench also said the CBI is permitted to give its report in sealed cover to the Lokpal. However, no further steps be taken by the Lokpal till the next date of hearing, the High Court said.
Meanwhile, the Court also sought the response of BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who is the complainant before the Lokpal of India in the matter.
Recently, JMM moved the Delhi High Court against Lokpal's direction for a CBI investigation in two properties allegedly linked to party president Shibu Soren.
On March 4, the Lokpal passed an order on the complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey against JMM Chief and Rajya Sabha MP Shibu Soren. The same order has been challenged before the High Court.
Earlier, Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Arunabh Chowdhury submitted that the said order is Ex Facie a wrong order. It is also said that the order is bad in law and without jurisdiction.
The petition has been moved by Abhishek Roy. It is also said that the order was issued without giving a hearing to the petitioner.
Recently, the Lokpal passed a direction to the CBI to investigate the alleged benami properties linked to JMM Chief Soren. Lokpal has asked the agency to probe within six months.
While disposing, the August 5, 2020 complaint filed by Dubey has also directed the CBI to investigate two properties belonging to the JMM.
Dubey had filed a complaint alleging that Shibu Soren and his family members had been involved in corruption and amassed assets, property and huge wealth. Earlier, the High Court dismissed the petition filed against Lokpal's proceedings.