CBI and ED Directed to File Detailed Counter Affidavits; Sensitive Documents to be Kept Under Sealed Cover
In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court has permitted the petitioner, S. Vignesh Shishir, to implead additional Union of India departments and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as necessary parties in an ongoing investigation case. The court, comprising Justices Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Brij Raj Singh, directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to submit separate counter affidavits, detailing the progress of their investigations into the allegations raised by the petitioner.
The court's order, passed on July 20, 2026, follows a writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking to address various allegations involving the Union of India. The petitioner has been allowed to add the Department of Personnel and Training, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as opposite parties in the case. These newly impleaded parties have been instructed to file their responses within eight weeks.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that the CBI and ED have already received the complaints from the petitioner. The CBI, represented by advocate Anurag Kumar Singh, and the ED, represented by advocate Kuldeep Srivastava, have been directed to verify the allegations as per the law and report their findings in their counter affidavits.
The court also ordered that sensitive documents related to the case be kept in a sealed cover within the safe custody of the Senior Registrar, to be opened only on the court's direction during the next listing date. This measure underscores the sensitive nature of the documents involved in the investigation.
Further, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the current progress reports filed by the CBI, instructing them to provide a more detailed update in their next affidavit. The ED was acknowledged for taking necessary steps in their investigation, with the court emphasizing the need for adherence to legal procedures should any illegal activities be uncovered.
The court granted additional time to the Deputy Solicitor General of India and other counsels representing various Union departments to file comprehensive counter affidavits. These affidavits are expected to address the specific allegations pertinent to each department's role in the matter.
The case has been adjourned to August 20, 2026, for further proceedings, with instructions for the matter to be heard in chambers. The court's decision to allow the impleadment of additional parties and the focus on detailed affidavits reflects its commitment to ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations presented by the petitioner.
Bottom Line:
Petitioner allowed to implead additional Union of India departments and Ministry of Corporate Affairs as necessary parties in a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. CBI and ED directed to file separate counter affidavits on the progress of the investigation.
Statutory provision(s):
Article 226 of the Constitution of India
