Supreme Court Gives the CBI Chief a “Sit‑in Corner” Sentence
What the Court Did
#1: A “Sit‑in Corner” stay – The Supreme Court told former CBI boss M. Nageswara Rao to “sit in one corner” until the next session of the court.
#2: A penalty – He was ordered to pay a fine of 100,000 rupees (about S$1,920) within one week.
#3: Why it mattered – Rao had ignored a prior court order that required him to seek permission before removing an investigating officer from a case.
The Verdict Call
“Please go and sit in one corner till the rising of the court. Fine to be deposited in one week,” Chief Justice R. Gogoi said after finding Rao in contempt.
The Reaction
A dramatic pose – Rao complied, sitting in a corner and shunning eye contact, as reported by a Reuters witness.
Unusual for senior players – While courtroom theatrics happen in India, this directive was the first of its kind directed at a high‑ranking CBI official in the Supreme Court.
A clue to the case – Rao had previously ordered the transfer of a CBI officer investigating a sexual‑exploitation case at a shelter home in Bihar, prompting the court’s intervention.
Bottom Line
The Supreme Court’s blunt stance underscores that even top law‑enforcement figures must respect its directives—no loopholes. The “corner” sentence is a reminder that the judiciary still keeps its own rules on the books.
