The NGO argued that the commission was proceeding with a “parallel investigation”.
The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the further proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry appointed by the West Bengal government. Accused of spying using Pegasus software,
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana incorporated the commission, comprising former Supreme Court judge, Justice Madan B Lokur and retired Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya. The court issued notice to the panel to be served through its secretary.
The order was passed after an NGO, the ‘Global Village Foundation’ Trust, made an urgent request that the commission go ahead with a ‘parallel investigation’ into Pegasus’ allegations.
supreme court has already appointed a committee To conduct a ‘rapid’ investigation into the Pegasus snooping report, led by Justice RV Raveendran, a retired Supreme Court judge in October.
West Bengal government’s move The Supreme Court heard for the first time in August to appoint an inquiry commission in July.
At that time, the Supreme Court had only issued a pre-admission notice to the Center on 17 August, seeking an independent inquiry into allegations that the government had used Israel-based agencies to spy on journalists, activists, dissidents, lawmakers, ministers and others. Spyware was used. other citizens.
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During the hearing on August 25, the Supreme Court initially wanted to pass a formal order preventing the commission from proceeding with its investigation when the matter was already pending in the court.
However, the state government through senior advocate AM Singhvi had given a verbal assurance to the commission to give a ‘message of restraint’.
On Friday, Mr. Singhvi, appearing for the state government, said that the commission was given a message of restraint, as promised. The commission had put on hold its work till the court’s order was passed in October.
Mr. Singhvi said the state government could not interfere with the functioning of the commission of inquiry, and it was now up to the Supreme Court to pass any formal order for the commission.
It ordered the court to implicate the commission, issue notice and stay further proceedings.
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