Jiah Khan case to remain with CBI: Bombay HC

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Thursday informed the Bombay high court that it has withdrawn its own order appointing advocate Dinesh Tiwari as special public prosecutor in Bollywood actor Jiah Khan’s death case. The state made this statement before Justice A. K. Menon, who was hearing a CBI petition challenging the state government’s decision to appoint a special public prosecutor in the case.

In its petition, the CBI had contended that the investigation into the death has been transferred to the CBI and it has carried out further investigation into the case, so it would remain the prosecuting agency. According to the CBI, in such circumstances the government could not appoint a special public prosecutor. While hearing the petition filed by the CBI, the high court asked the Advocate General (AG) to appear before it and clarify the government’s stand. The HC had also directed the trial court not to proceed with the trial till further orders.

Following the high court order, AG Ashotosh Kumbhakoni on Thursday informed Justice Menon that the contentions raised by the CBI were correct and the order appointing advocate Dinesh Tiwari as special public prosecutor has been cancelled and withdrawn. Taking the statement, made by Maharashtra government on record, Justice Menon disposed of the petition.