ORDER :

1. The Director, CBI is present in the Court today pursuant to order dated 27.07.2018.

2. We have heard the learned Attorney General and Mr. Maninder Singh, the learned ASG. We have also heard the learned Amicus and learned counsel for the petitioner.

3. The learned ASG has drawn our attention to the decision of this Court in Vineet Narain & Ors. v. Union of India & Anr. [(1998) 1 SCC 226]. He has referred to the directions given by this Court in para 58 therein particularly sub para 12:

“The CBI Manual based on statutory provisions of the CrPC provides essential guidelines for the CBI's functioning. It is imperative that the CBI adheres scrupulously to the provisions in the Manual in relation to its investigative functions, like raids, seizure and arrests. Any deviation from the established procedure should be viewed seriously and severe disciplinary action taken against the officials concerned.”

4. In view of the submission made by the learned Attorney General, the learned Amicus has shown to us the Central Bureau of Investigation (Crime) Manual – 2005.

5. We have gone through Chapter 19 thereof, which deals with Final Reports, SPs Reports and Comments of Superior Officers.

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