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Supreme Court Slams Central Agencies for Dragging Feet on Leaps and Bounds SSC Scam Probe
The on Monday delivered a stinging rebuke to central investigating agencies for what it termed a deliberate slowdown in probing Leaps and Bounds Pvt Ltd, a company linked to Trinamool Congress Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, in connection with the scam. Hearing the of Sumit Roy, an aide of Banerjee, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana noted that the agencies had “dragged their feet” despite repeated expressions of concern by the .
Background of the Case
The SSC scam involves large-scale irregularities in teacher recruitment in West Bengal government schools. The and the have been investigating money flows allegedly linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress. Leaps and Bounds, a private company, emerged as a key conduit after investigators claimed that around ₹30 crore was transferred from the party’s account to the firm. The company has already been in the SSC scam probe.
Sumit Roy, who faces allegations in a separate land scam, was granted earlier. His counsel, , argued that Roy had fully cooperated with the investigation and had answered all questions. He alleged that interrogators instead spent considerable time questioning Roy about his family and the political party’s recruitment process and funding sources. The interrogation, he noted, was fully videographed, and he urged the court to examine the recordings.
Sharp Observations from the Bench
Justice Bagchi, visibly frustrated, remarked: “The less said about your agencies’ conduct, the better. The extent to which your agencies dragged their feet with regard to of persons in the Leaps and Bounds investigation, despite observations by various judges of the , the less said about your agencies’ conduct, the better.”
, appearing for the State of West Bengal, defended the agencies, claiming they were under the influence and control of the accused. “The reason is, the agencies were substantially under the influence and control of the accused. That’s the answer,” Mehta said. He further disclosed that approximately ₹30 crore had been transferred from the political party’s account to Leaps and Bounds, describing it as a tainted company already in the SSC scam. He also claimed that a ₹2 crore deposit linked to Roy might only be the “tip of the iceberg.”
Justice Bagchi pressed the Solicitor General to take instructions from his assisting counsel, pointing out the number of times High Court judges had expressed despair at the agencies’ slow movement in investigation and interrogation intensity. The court directed the State to produce all interrogation records, including audio-video recordings if available.
Legal Implications and Analysis
The Supreme Court’s observations carry significant weight for investigating agencies. The judiciary’s willingness to scrutinize the pace and intensity of investigations underscores its role as a check on . In cases involving political figures, the court has historically been cautious, but here it appears to have taken note of a pattern of delay that undermines the credibility of the probe.
The case also highlights the tension between the central agencies and the state government, with allegations that the agencies were “under the control” of the accused. This phrase, while not elaborated, suggests a concern about . For legal professionals, the development reinforces the importance of maintaining in high-stakes investigations, particularly when is at issue.
The court’s demand to see the interrogation files signals that it may consider the possibility of granting bail or imposing conditions on the agencies’ conduct. If the recordings reveal undue harassment or irrelevant questioning, it could lead to restrictions on the scope of future interrogations.
Impact on Legal Practice
This judgment serves as a reminder to defense counsel that can be a powerful tool to challenge investigative overreach. The Supreme Court’s willingness to review such recordings could set a precedent for other cases where accused persons allege coercion or irrelevant questioning. For prosecutors and investigating officers, the message is clear: delays and lack of intensity in probing key individuals will not be tolerated, especially when the High Court has already flagged concerns.
The case also touches on the broader issue of funding of political parties through corporate entities. The transfer of ₹30 crore from a party account to a company under investigation raises questions about the transparency of political finance. While the court’s immediate focus is on the , the underlying fraud allegations may have long-term implications for party funding regulations.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court has listed the matter for further hearing, directing the agencies to produce interrogation material. The bench’s strong language has put central investigating agencies on notice, and the legal community will be watching closely to see whether the court imposes any sanctions or directives to ensure a thorough and timely probe. For now, Sumit Roy remains on interim protection, but the court’s scrutiny of agency conduct may reshape how investigations into politically sensitive cases are conducted in India.
