SC stays proceedings against former PM Manmohan Singh

The Supreme Court today stayed a trial court order summoning former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in a coal scam case. The apex court today admitted former Prime Minister's petition challenging a special CBI court order summoning him to appear before it on 8th of this month in connection with the scam. The Supreme Court issued notice to CBI and has sought reply within four week when the case will come up for hearing. Appearing on behalf of Dr.Singh, Kapil Sibal told the court today that Prime Minister has plenary powers and his administrative decisions can't be termed illegal. Mr. Sibal also raised the issue of lack of sanction to prosecute Dr. Singh in the case. Mr. Manmohan Singh had moved Supreme Court on 25th of last month against CBI court's summons to him . Mr Singh was summoned over accusations of criminal conspiracy and corruption in the allegedly illegal award of Talabira-II coal block in Odisha in 2005 to Aditya Birla group company Hindalco. Hindalco Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla and former Coal Secretary P C Parakh, were also summoned as accused in the case. Dr. Singh has already been questioned by the the agency twice in the case.