Supreme Court Upholds CBI’s Decision to Exonerate Former PM Manmohan Singh in Coal Scam

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has upheld the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) decision to close the case against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh regarding the alleged coal allocation scam. This ruling, issued by a bench presided over by Chief Justice Surya Kant, comes in the wake of an appeal filed by Singh challenging a 2015 summons from a trial court.

Manmohan Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away in December 2024, which added a layer of complexity to the proceedings. During the hearing, prominent lawyer Kapil Sibal represented Singh, arguing that while the appeal may have become technically irrelevant following the former PM’s death, the negative remarks made by the trial court warranted a review. Sibal emphasized the necessity of judicial scrutiny to expunge these adverse comments.

The Supreme Court acknowledged the procedural implications of Singh’s demise, indicating that his appeal could be dismissed as no longer pertinent. However, the bench also highlighted the need to consider the legitimacy of the trial court’s decision to issue a summons against him. The court pointed out that the special judge had ignored the CBI’s closure report, which sought to terminate the case based on a lack of substantial evidence, and had instead taken cognizance under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

In its observations, the Supreme Court expressed discontent with the special judge’s rationale, asserting that there was insufficient justification for rejecting the CBI’s closure report. The court reiterated that established legal principles regarding the acceptance of closure reports were not adhered to in this instance. By acknowledging the shortcomings in the trial court’s actions, the Supreme Court has effectively clarified the legal standing concerning the closure of the case against Singh.

This ruling is significant not only for its immediate implications for Singh’s legacy but also for the broader context of ongoing investigations into corruption in India. The coal allocation scam, which emerged during Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister, has been a focal point of political controversy, involving allegations of favoritism and misallocation of resources. The Supreme Court’s decision to validate the CBI’s findings may be interpreted as an effort to restore some dignity to Singh’s reputation amidst the turbulent waters of Indian politics.

Source: scroll.in