"We are interested in money coming back and not on disclosure of names” says Supreme Court

Responding to the arguments put forward, that names of persons who have admitted of having illegal accounts in foreign banks be made public, the Bench headed by Chief Justice of India today said, "We are interested in money coming back and not on disclosure of names.”

Meanwhile, it was submitted from the side of Petitioner Ram Jethmalani that suggestions made by various parties regarding bringing black money back to the country should be considered by the SIT headed by Justice MB Shah. The Bench of Chief Justice of India HL Dattu and Justices M B Lokur and A K Sikri accepted the plea made and ordered, "We permit all parties including the intervenors to bring to the notice of the SIT their suggestions within two weeks from today and if such suggestions are given in time, we only request the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the SIT to consider the same in accordance with law and send a copy of the report to that aspect to this court in a sealed cover." Senior Advocate Anil Divan appeared for Ram Jethmalani and submitted that "not a single rupee has come to this country". Meanwhile, the Centre in its submissions claimed that it has shared every document and communications that has been given to the SIT, with the petitioners.

Thereafter, the Court granted three weeks time to Mr. Jethmalani to file a reply regarding the same. The Court also said that it is not expressing any view on the application made by the Petitioner, and the same will be considered by the SIT.

Around 627 Indians have accounts in HSBC Bank, Geneva, regarding which a list was submitted to the Supreme Court. Investigation regarding such accounts has to be completed before March 31, 2015. The Attorney General had also submitted details regarding the investigation in a sealed envelope to the Apex Court and the same is yet to be opened.

You may read more about the case here.