SLP(Crl) NO. 5902 of 2012

Heard Mr. Gopal Subramaniam, learned senior advocate appearing for the petitioner at some length.

Mr. Mohan Prasaran, learned ASG appearing on behalf of the CBI, submitted before us a report from which it appears that the investigation is still going on in connection with seven matters.

In paragraph 9 of the report it is stated as under :

"..... The matters which are pending investigation also involved investigation into various serious economic offences involving hundreds of crores of rupees. The major matters which are now under investigation relating to conspiracies distinctly involving the following entities which by themselves are independent to each other and are therefore distinct conspiracies.

(i) Sandur Power Co. Ltd.

(ii) Grant of mining lease to Bharti Cements/Raghuram Cements which are companies non other than own companies of A1, Mr. JMR.

(iii) Penna Cements and Group companies

(iv) Dalmia Cements

(v) India Cements

(vi) Investment through paper companies based in Kolkata and Mumbai, popularly known as suit case companies.

(vii) Indu Projects, Lepakshi knowledge Hub

The amounts involved and which are subject matter of investigation in the above cases as per estimates exceed Rs.3000 crores."

(emphasis in the original)

Mr. Prasaran stated that the CBI is making investigation without wasting any time and he assured the Court that the investigation will be completed as early as possible and on completion of the investigation the CBI shall submit one final charge-sheet.

On hearing counsel for the parties and on going through the report submitted by the CBI, we are not inclined to interfere in the matter at this stage.

The special leave petition is, accordingly, dismissed.

It will be, however, open to the petitioner to renew his prayer for bail before the trial court on completion of the investigation by the CBI on the issues as indicated above and submission of the final charge-sheet.

In case, such a prayer is made, the Court shall consider the prayer for bail independently, on its own merits, without being influenced by the dismissal of the special leave petition.

SLP(Crl) NO. 5946 of 2012

Put up after two weeks.