The Supreme Court in the case Mahant Sidhanand Saraswati And Ors. v. State of Maharashtra And Ors observed in a petition filed, wherein seeking CBI enquiry in the Palghar mob lynching matter.
The bench comprising of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha, and Justice JB Pardiwala was hearing the present matter.
However, the petitioner also informed the bench that the State of Maharashtra filed a new affidavit wherein stating that they would have a CBI enquiry. The bench also noted that the Maharashtra government had earlier opposed the plea and the chargesheet has been filed in the matter on 28.08.2020. The court had also taken action against the errant police personnel through departmental enquiry.
It has been stated by the office of DGP Mumbai in an affidavit dated 11.10.2022, that the State of Maharashtra is ready and is willing to hand over the investigation in C.R. No. 76/2020 and C.R. No. 77/2020 to the CBI and the same would have no such objection.
The bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud orally remarked, Ultimately, CBI can do it. Why should this court pass an order?
Facts of the Case:
In the case two Hindu seers namely, Maharaj Kalpavriksha Giri @ Chikna Baba and Shri Sushil Giri Maharaj in April 20 in Palghar were lynched to death by a frenzied mob
Therefore, the two Hindu seers were travelling from Mumbai to Surat when their car was stopped by a mob of over 200 people, thus, then the mob proceeded to upturn the car and pelt stones, eventually the same resulted in the death of both seers as well as the death of driver of the car.
The Hindu Sadhus of Shri Panch Dashban Juna Akhara and the relatives of the two deceased Sadhu’s in June 2020 moved the Supreme Court, alleging bias by the State authorities who are currently investigating the matter.
In the matter, they seek CBI/ NIA probe and accordingly, the Supreme Court issued notice to Maharashtra government, Maharashtra DGP, Central Government, NIA and CBI.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter to be next heard on April 14, 2023.