Supreme Court: Not Every Case Against Politicians is Malicious

The Supreme Court has observed that allegations against politicians cannot be dismissed outright as malicious or frivolous. The remark was made during a hearing of a bail plea filed by Partha Chatterjee, a former minister implicated in a cash-for-jobs scam in West Bengal.

Allegations and Judicial Concerns
The court highlighted that while politicians often face accusations of misconduct, it does not imply that all such cases lack merit. A bench led by Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Ujjal Bhuyan stressed the need for a balanced judicial approach, ensuring neither undue harassment nor leniency in serious allegations.

Delay in Investigation
The court criticized the delays in high-profile cases, questioning investigative agencies about their pace. It remarked on the implications of prolonged incarceration for accused individuals who are later proven innocent, asking, "Who will compensate for the time lost in custody?"

Details of the Case
Partha Chatterjee, accused in a multi-crore scam, was arrested in 2022. The investigation revealed large sums of cash allegedly linked to the scam. Despite over 183 witnesses being cited, the trial is yet to begin, raising concerns about the pace of justice.

CBI's Role Questioned
The bench also queried the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on its urgency in making arrests without substantial groundwork, noting that undue haste in such cases damages the credibility of the investigative process.