HC direction to CBI on 'inconsistent stand'

Kochi, Mar 13(UNI) The Kerala High Court today directed the CBI to file an affidavit to explain why it was taking contradictory stands with regard to investigating cases referred to it.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice H L Dattu and K T Sankaran observed that while in some cases the CBI contended it did not have sufficient personnel and infrastructure to take up investigation, in others it expressed readiness to investigate.

''An organisation like the CBI cannot be taking inconsistent stands before this court. We require appropriate clarifications from them.'' The court then directed the CBI to file an affidavit within one week.

The directions were given by the court while considering a plea for a CBI investigation into the Valayar Rural Industries Sandalwood Smuggling Case.

The CBI, however, informed the court it was ready to investigate the case in which a large quantity of sandalwood was smuggled from Marayoor.

The then Forest Minister K P Vishwanathan had to resign due to an adverse remark by the High Court while considering a bail aplication in the case.

UNI XR ARC VD RAI2218