SC: Issue of CBI Judge BH Loya's death is serious
The Supreme Court has said the mysterious circumstances surrounding special CBI judge BH Loya's death is indeed a "serious matter." Judge Loya was hearing the controversial Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case when he "mysteriously" expired. It has now asked the Maharashtra government to give its response to pleas that seek an independent probe into the matter. The next hearing is scheduled for January 15.
Details about the mysterious death of Judge Loya
Judge Loya died in 2014 while presiding over the trial of BJP president Amit Shah and other Gujarat police officers in the "fake" encounter killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his wife Kauser Bi. Reports initially said it was a heart attack, but in November'17, The Caravan published explosive details of the mysterious circumstances. Apparently he was being pressurized to decide in favor of Shah.
Earlier, judges cite case to indicate SC's freedom in danger
Reportedly, Judge Loya was offered Rs. 100cr bribe and there were discrepancies in the post-mortem report. Earlier today, second senior-most judge in SC Justice Jasti Chelameswar along with three other judges held a press conference to talk about the wrongdoings going on in SC. They made explosive claims against the CJI. They remarked that circumstances surrounding Judge Loya's death prompted them to speak out.
Now, what steps will SC take?
SC said this matter requires "a bi-party hearing rather than ex-parte." An ex-parte hearing is a temporary order as in this application, one party is not notified. One side argued that since Bombay HC will be hearing the matter, SC can't take it up. However, SC said it will consider the petition. Now, Maharashtra government has to file the post-mortem report and other documents.
