Probe against UP MLC: SC for investigation against rival too

The Supreme Court on Monday favoured independent investigation to unravel the truth into the allegations and counter-allegations levelled by an agriculturist and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLC from Uttar Pradesh against each other saying that the “turf war” has reached the court.

“This is a turf war it appears and nothing more,” a Bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur said, adding, “You have come against each other and that needs to be investigated.” 

“The fragrance coming in it (petition) is enough for us as to what it is all about,” the Bench, also comprising Justices AK Sikri and R Banumathi, said while involving Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate into the probe.

The remarks were made while dealing with the petition filed by one Ranvir Singh accusing BSP’s Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Mohammad Iqbal of indulging in money laundering and other criminal activities.

Senior advocate and Additional Solicitior General in previous UPA regime Haren Raval, appearing for Ranveer Singh, alleged he was not only involved in money laundering activities but his criminal activities has inter-state implications.

However, his submission was opposed by Iqbal’s senior counsel SP Singh, who said there was not a single criminal case registered against him and the matter before the apex court was due to political vendetta. “It is the issue of all types of activities,” the bench said after Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, who was asked on December 4 to apprise about the current status of alleged probe against the MLA made submissions.