Narada Scam Case Hearing : CBI vs TMC MLAs - Live Updates From Calcutta High Court

Singhvi says that the CBI suppressed before the High Court that the hearing before Special Court was virtual.

Singhvi : The Special Court has not expressed any difficulty.

SG : I have said that CBI was compelled to seek virtual hearing.

Singhvi : In this context, there was outrage. There is right to feel outraged. That is the meaning of democracy. There was expression of anger against arrest after 7 years.

SG laughs : Stone-pelting?

Singhvi : Mr.Mehta allow me to develop my arguments in my own way.

Singhvi ask which documents the accused have destroyed in the Narada sting of 2014. What is the urgency for arrest seven years later, he asks.

Singhvi : To use the word premier for CBI is an oxymoron. They sprint 100 yards to Governor before the swearing in of Cabinet to get sanction.

Singhvi : The MLAs felt that their colleagues were arrested on political vendetta because somebody could not digest defeat in elections.

Singhvi says that the arrests were a reaction to "bitter election results". CBI sought sanction from Governor to arrest TMC MLAs, which is illegal. As per Constitution Bench decisions, sanction has to be taken from the Speaker, Singhvi adds.

Singhvi : Three, there is not a whisper of allegation that CBI was intimidated by the mob.

Singhvi : Four, as it happens in democracy, there was protest by co-ministers, co-MLAs. But there was no hindrance to the CBI. The protestations are being used as an excuse by CBI now.

Singhvi : If there is a perception of unlawful arrest, there is a right to protest, so long as the lawful functions of the agency are not restrained.

Singhvi : One, CBI argued in the Special Court for hours through virtual hearing. Two, CBI requested for virtual hearing and I agreed.

Singhvi : Three, there is not a whisper of allegation that CBI was intimidated by the mob.

Singhvi : The correct course was to challenge the order of special court. This was not the way

Singhvi : Could the order have been stayed on that day, when CBI could have challenged it in appropriate proceedings?