VVIP chopper case: SC issues notice to Centre, CBI; seeks reply on lodging FIR against Congress leaders

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to Centre seeking its response on a plea which called for registration of an FIR against those whose names have allegedly been referred to in an Italian court’s verdict in connection with AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case.

The apex court also issued a notice to the CBI seeking its reply in connection with the case.

The order was passed by a bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and Shiva Kirti Singh in response to a PIL filed by advocate M L Sharma in which he has also sought a court-monitored probe in the case.

The PIL, which was filed last week had sought lodging of FIR against political leaders, including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, whose names have allegedly been referred to in the Italian court’s judgement.

CBI had in 2013 registered a case in connection with alleged bribes paid by the firm to Indians to clinch the deal for 12 helicopters to ferry VVIPs including the President and Prime Minister.

The plea, which has made Ministry of Defence and CBI as parties, has sought registration the FIR against persons whose names have figured in the judgement delivered by the Italian court in Milan on April 7, 2016.

It has sought a court-monitored SIT or CVC probe and has also raised legal questions including as to whether decision of the Italian court is “not enough” to prosecute.