‘Form SIT to Probe Judge Loya’s Death’: Congress Slams Judiciary

Judge Loya was hearing the fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh, in which BJP president Amit Shah is an accused.

Congress leader Kapil Sibal addresses a press conference on the concerns surrounding Judge BH Loya’s death, in New Delhi on Wednesday, 31 January. 

(Photo: ANI)

Demanding that an independent special investigation team (SIT) be formed to probe the death of special CBI judge BH Loya, the Congress on Wednesday, 31 January, slammed the judicial system for “safeguarding the interests of some people,” at a press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi.

Hitting out at the Supreme Court for hearing the matter through a public interest litigation (PIL), Congress leader Kapil Sibal said that the judiciary was at risk.

This is about safeguarding the judicial institution. How can someone decide on the matter through a PIL?

Kapil Sibal, Congress leader

A three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra is currently hearing two PILs requesting a CBI investigation into the death of Judge Loya, who was hearing the fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh, in which BJP national president Amit Shah is an accused.

Citing Loya’s sister’s statement regarding former Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Mohit Shah offering Rs 100 crore in relation to the hearing of the Sohrabuddin case, Sibal questioned the High Court for not filing an FIR.

We question the judiciary, when his sister gave a statement, then why did the High Court not ask for an FIR to be lodged? When the sister said that an ex-Chief Justice of Bombay High Court offered 100 crore, then why has there been no FIR?

Kapil Sibal

Demanding that an independent SIT be formed to probe Judge Loya’s death, Sibal said the SIT should constitute officers who are neither from the CBI not the NIA. An independent officer, who has the confidence of the nation, should be made to head the SIT, he added.

We will go every corner of the nation to ensure this be taken up. An inquiry should happen, and this should not be initiated though the PIL. 

Kapil Sibal

Stating that the party did believe in the Supreme Court, Sibal said that should the apex court pay heed to their demand of an SIT, then the Congress would collaborate with it.