The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Tuesday issued notices to Chief Minister Mayawati and other senior state government officials in connection with the incident of arson at UPCC chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi’s residence.

While hearing a writ petition filed by Joshi in which she had sought a CBI probe into the July 15 incident, the Bench also directed the CB-CID to submit a report on the progress of its investigation within six weeks.

The Bench comprising Justices Abdul Mateen and Ashwini Kumar Singh issued notices to state principal secretary (Home), SHO of Husainganj, secretary (Home) of the Central government and principal secretary to the UP Governor. All were named as respondents by Joshi.

“The Bench has fixed October 13 as the next date of hearing and has directed the respondents to file counter affidavits. The petitioner has also been asked to submit a rejoinder thereafter,” said Joshi’s counsel Rakesh Dhar Dwivedi.

In the petition, Joshi stated she had no faith in CB-CID as the agency works directly for the state government. She also accused Mayawati of rewarding those involved in the arson with ministerial berth and special security. Quoting news channels, Joshi said Mayawati made a statement that she will not forgive her and hence she does not expect CB-CID to conduct a fair probe.

Joshi’s counsel Kapil Deo said since BSP leaders and ministers were involved in the incident, the Governor’s secretary has also been named as one of respondent. “It has been included to avoid legal tangle like seeking Governor’s consent at a later stage,” said Deo.

... contd.