The CBI: Questions relating to the independence of the CBI are reflected in the investigation in this case. The CBI would actively investigate the case, obtain documents, file appeals against erroneous judgments only when a non-Congress government was in power. Even after being informed by its counterparts in Switzerland that Quattrochhi was the recipient of kickbacks, his passport was not immediately confiscated and he was allowed to escape.

There is no pronouncement till date that the accused did not receive money. Quite to the contrary, the names of the recipients are clearly established. Their patrons are also known. They either absconded or got the benefit of the un-appealed judgments on technical considerations. The media and the public opinion also suffered a fatigue over a period of 18 years. People start losing faith in the investigative process and also in the capacity of the judicial process to punish the guilty. The truth is known to all. Arun Singh may have a grievance that his friend the prime minister was compromised. But so were the Parliament and the CBI. Regrettably even the courts did not come out unscathed.

The writer is an MP and former Union law minister