JUDGMENT

Madan B. Lokur, J.

1. In our order dated 14th May, 2015 we had held that it was completely inappropriate for Mr. Ranjit Sinha (then Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation or CBI) to have met persons accused in the coal block allocation cases without the investigating officer being present or without the investigating team being present. We were also of opinion that in view of this, it would be necessary to enquire whether any one or more such meetings that Mr. Sinha had with the accused persons had any impact on the investigations and subsequent charge–sheets or closure reports filed by the CBI.

2. We had requested assistance from the Central Vigilance Commission in this regard and during the pendency of the proceedings, we had also appointed a Committee headed by Mr. M.L. Sharma, IPS (Retired), former Special Director CBI and former Central Information Commissioner to look into the allegations and give us a report.

3. Mr. Sharma submitted a report on 4th March, 2016, a copy of which was handed over to the learned Attorney General with a request to consider the report and assist us as to the further course of action.

4. Thereafter, we heard the submissions of all t