Congress 'Toolkit' Case : Supreme Court Dismisses Chhattisgarh Govt's Appeals Against HC Stay On FIR Against BJP Leaders Raman Singh, Sambit Patra

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the petitions filed by the State of Chhattisgarh challenging Chhattisgarh High Court's order staying investigation in the FIR lodged against Dr. Raman Singh, BJP National Vice President and former Chief Minister and BJP Spokesperson Sambit Patra for their tweets claiming that the Congress party has prepared a toolkit to tarnish the image of the country in the foreign media.

A Bench comprising CJI NV Ramana, Justice Surya Kant, and Justice Hima Kohli was not inclined to interfere in the two special leave petitions filed by by State of Chhattisgarh against Chhattisgarh High Court's order dated 11 June 2021.

"We dismiss this SLP. The observations may not come in the way of decision the main matter. We request the High Court to dispose of expeditiously." the Bench recorded.

The Bench indicated that when so many people have approached different courts across the country in relation to Toolkit cases, special preference cannot be given to this case.

 At the outset, the Bench observed that the the High Court should decide the present matter.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for State of Chhattisgarh, however stressed on the need to have a genuine hearing by the High Court, considering the observations that have been made by the Court in the impugned order.

"What will High court decide, at this stage look at the observations. Even if I go to High Court I should have a genuine hearing." Mr Singhi said.

Referring to the High Court's order, Mr Singhvi submitted that "It says the Petitioner is a political person, so if he's a political person you give these findings straight away? They have said no case is made out. Now what is left for me to go back for?"

"Don't waste your energies, we are not inclined to interfere. Let the High Court decide. We will take out that observation." the Bench said.