New Delhi: In a move that offers a new advantage to the BJP and its prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi, a young woman has told the Supreme Court that she is "thankful" that the Gujarat police was assigned to tail her, and urged the judges to block investigations to determine whether the surveillance was legal and ordered by Mr Modi. (Snoop-Gate's Four Unanswered Questions)
"Snoopgate" is pivoted around allegations that secretly-recorded phone conversations reveal that as Gujarat Chief Minister, Mr Modi tasked his close aide Amit Shah, to ensure the woman was spied upon by top police officers. (Amit Shah Slams Government Move on 'Snoopgate' Probe)
The Gujarat government in December assigned a retired judge to investigate the allegations. The Congress controversially said just days ago that it would also appoint a judge for another inquiry. (Congress Allies Agree with BJP Over Snoopgate Appointment)
The BJP and key allies of the Congress objected immediately, arguing that a government whose term is about to expire has no right to make important appointments. Today, Law Minister Kapil Sibal confirmed that the government has aborted its plans to select a judge to inquest Snoopgate. (Post Allies Attack, Government Changes Mind About Snoopgate Judge: Sources)
The petition filed today in the Supreme Court by the woman at the heart of Snoopgate says her father and she are "thankful to the Gujarat government" for accepting a "personal request" to ensure her safety. The woman, who is now married, said she was aware of the surveillance and said that investigations would violate her privacy.
The Supreme Court will hear the case on Friday and may pass interim orders that neither Gujarat nor the Centre can proceed with an inquiry.
Mr Modi's high-octane campaign is expected to deliver the maximum seats to the BJP in the election. The Congress, floundering amid opinion poll predictions of a total rout, has been using Snoopgate to accuse Mr Modi of double speak on the issue of women's safety.
"Snoopgate" is pivoted around allegations that secretly-recorded phone conversations reveal that as Gujarat Chief Minister, Mr Modi tasked his close aide Amit Shah, to ensure the woman was spied upon by top police officers. (Amit Shah Slams Government Move on 'Snoopgate' Probe)
The BJP and key allies of the Congress objected immediately, arguing that a government whose term is about to expire has no right to make important appointments. Today, Law Minister Kapil Sibal confirmed that the government has aborted its plans to select a judge to inquest Snoopgate. (Post Allies Attack, Government Changes Mind About Snoopgate Judge: Sources)
Advertisement
The Supreme Court will hear the case on Friday and may pass interim orders that neither Gujarat nor the Centre can proceed with an inquiry.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Restrictive Statutory Provisions Don't Prevent Bail: Supreme Court Publish NEET-UG Results City-Wise And Centre-Wise, Supreme Court Tells NTA BJP Accuses Congress Of Inciting Violence Against PM Modi With 'Maut' And 'Hinsa' Remarks Barack Obama Wants Joe Biden To Pull Out Of US Presidential Race: Report World's Largest Isolated Tribe Makes Rare Appearance In New Footage Shooter Had Trump's Face Right In Middle Of Crosshairs, Shows New Video Comedy Legend Bob Newhart Dead At 94: Publicist Israeli Strike Kills Field Commander In Elite Hezbollah Unit: Report Delhi-San Francisco Air India Flight Diverted To Russia After Engine Glitch Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.