If this case is to be saved the CBI must act honestly and independently. It must not consult the UPA government’s law officers. It must appoint an independent lawyer to appear for it. The CBI must not score self goals. It must not sabotage its own investigation. It must support Ajay Aggarwal’s petition before the Supreme Court and persuade the Supreme Court to overrule the fourth and fifth erroneous judgment of the Delhi High Court.

The CBI, the Interpol and the ministry of external affairs must use the Interpol protocol for Quattrocchi’s extradition. History has provided the prime minister with an opportunity. To stick to his office he can sacrifice morality. Alternatively, he can risk his office and uphold both values and the law. For him it can be a defining moment. He must express his preference between his office and his image. We will all wait for an answer. He has an option of going down in history. Alternatively, history will dump him.

The writer is a Rajya Sabha MP and BJP general secretary