Public prosecutors oppose Special PP in case against cops

Chief Public Prosecutor P A Pol is believed to have sent a letter stating that on June 26,a copy of the notification on appointment of S S Patwardhan as Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) was handed over by an unknown person in open court. Even Patwardhan had expressed surprise about his appointment,the letter states.

“The matter happened in open court in presence of advocates and indirectly,a message has gone to the bar that public prosecutors are not competent to handle the matter,” Pol states.

“This shows lack of confidence in the office of the public prosecutor,” he adds.

Pol pointed out that as per Supreme Court guidelines,it was necessary to scrutinize and examine if the case is in public interest and deserves a special prosecutor. “In the present case,though serious allegations are made against the officers for alleged illegal activities…the same is not in public interest,” letter states.

In the letter dated July 16,Pol says that ever since the case came up before the High Court in January this year,none of the respondents have come forward to give instructions or file affidavits during the five subsequent hearings. “Only after a letter to various authorities including the DGP,Law and Judiciary department and the Home Department did the officials visit the office of the public prosecutor but failed to give instructions in the matter and did not show willingness to file affidavits in reply to allegations made against them,” Pol states. Pol’s letter states that the High Court has directed the state CID to probe the allegations against the officers regarding planting of drugs in the petitioner’s club and extorting money,which were said to be recorded in 22 CDs.