Bhupesh Baghel accused the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta Friday of making “false” and “mischievous” accusations against him “for political reasons” during a Supreme Court hearing.
A day before some of the accused in the Nagrik Apurti Nigam (NAN) scam were granted bail, the state government denied in court the Enforcement Directorate’s allegations that Baghel had met a judge of the High Court a few days before.
At a press conference in Delhi, Baghel described the claim of the Solicitor General as “laughable”.
According to the Solicitor General, the Chief Minister met with the Judge and influenced the decision. The source of the information was asked of him. According to him (Solicitor General), two people were talking on Whatsapp… another individual… He is making this allegation on that basis. Baghel reacted with laughter.
In the Supreme Court, a person holding a post like that of Solicitor General should not be able to speak so casually. Neither I have met a judge nor should such a statement be made,” he stated.
Baghel has also taken to Twitter. The fact that a person holding the highest constitutional post in the country, such as the Solicitor General, makes false and mischievous allegations for political purposes is extremely unfortunate. To clarify, I have never met any judge or requested any favors on behalf of any accused.”
A conspiracy is underway to malign my political image and put pressure on the judiciary, for which he will retaliate appropriately.
At the hearing on October 18, Mehta answered the questions of the bench by saying: “The learned judge met with the Chief Minister two days prior to the bail hearing.” I have no further comments to make. If this does not shock your lordships’ conscience, nothing will.”
According to the senior law officer, when requesting the court’s permission to provide sealed records to the court on September 19, the following remarks had been made: “If this becomes public, people may lose faith in the system because of the individuals involved…” Your lordships may wish to make public a meeting between a sitting High Court judge and constitutional authorities who were assisting the accused.
