Thursday, June 4, 2009

AP High Court seeks information on Satyam probe

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad,June 3: The AP High Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to submit a report on the progress of investigation into the multi-crore accounting fraud of Satyam Computers within four weeks.

A division bench comprising the Chief Justice, Mr Anil R. Dave and Justice Ramesh Ranganathan was dealing with a petition filed by Ms T.H. Sowbhgya Lakshimi, a practising advocate, seeking a direction to appoint a judicial commission to probe into the fraud.

Mr A. Rajasekhar Reddy, assistant solicitor general, while arguing the case told the court that various agencies of the Centre including Sebi, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office, the enforcement directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation are already investigating the case.

He contended that there was no need for a judicial commission to probe the case as several agencies are on the job already.
The court said it is not inclined to pass any interim order and it would like to know the progress of the investigation. The court directed Mr Reddy to file an affidavit on the progress of the probe.

Ms Lakshimi urged the court to appoint a judicial commission with officers from the departments concerned and representatives from the Bar.

The petitioner also prayed to direct the ministry of corporate affairs set up a commission of inquiry under Section 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

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