CBI opposes SC proposal to appoint amicus curiae coal scam

The bench expressed surprise on why the CBI is so adamant against appointment of amicus saying “it is difficult to understand how it (appointment of amicus) would prejudice or harm the probe”.

“If the court is benefited by an objective view of amicus other than you(CBI) then what is the problem,” the bench said, noting “You are not appreciating the difficulty faced by us in going through the report and amicus may tell us what has been missed by you.”

The bench said that it is not supposed to just go through the report without commenting on it.

The bench on the last hearing had said that it needed assistance to analyse CBI's voluminous coalgate probe reports and suggested appointment of amicus curiae to lend a helping hand to it and had proposed the name of senior advocate T R Andhyarujina.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for one of the petitioners on whose plea the apex court monitoring the probe, also raised objection saying that Andhyarujina had earlier represented the Centre and some mines companies.  

The bench after hearing all the sides refrained from passing any order and said the issue would be considered later.