In a major setback to the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, the Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to stay the CBI probe into Narada sting operation case in which several TMC leaders were allegedly caught on camera taking bribe.
In its hearing, the SC extended the time for registration of FIR in the case from 72 hours given by Calcutta HC to one month.
Terming the West Bengal government's plea 'unfortunate', the top court rejected the plea of TMC leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Saugata Roy for a SIT-monitored probe either by the apex court or the high court.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had on Monday registered a preliminary enquiry into the sting operation.
The CBI had named MPs, West Bengal ministers, police officers as well as ex-MLAs in its preliminary enquiry following a Calcutta High Court order. It had also seized laptops and spy cams used in the Narada sting operation.
Reacting to the Calcutta High Court order, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Friday said that her government would challenge the order in the Supreme Court.
"Will challenge before the Supreme Court against Calcutta HC order directing preliminary inquiry by the CBI on Narada sting operation," the chief minister had said.