The Patna High Court today set a deadline of June 24 for the sanctioning authorities to submit their reports on the prosecution of the public servants involved in fodder scam, or it would be free to pass orders against them.

In the matter of the privilege notice served by the Bihar Legislative Council on the CBI officials, the Court suggested to the Council to settle the matter ``gracefully'' after the CBI replies to their notice to ensure that the investigation is not jeopardised and officials are not put under unnecessary ``psychological stress''. The Court's observation followed the CBI's statement that the agency's officers had never attempted to commit contempt of the House and regretted any inconvenience caused. Though the judges avoided direct confrontation with the Council, they did not refrain from commenting: ``The idea behind the privilege notice is purely to cow down the agency (CBI) persons. They have been criticising us outside and even on the floor of the House. But we are least concerned. We are simply concerned that investigation is not hampered.'' The judges made public their displeasure over the way the Assembly and Council debated the role of the High Court on March 26 and 28.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.