VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday strongly criticised the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe alleged irregularities in the evaluation of AP Group-1 Main Examination answer scripts, expressing serious concern over the delay in submission of its investigation report.
A division bench comprising Justice Battu Devanand and Justice Avadhanam Hari Hara Nath Sharma questioned the SIT for seeking additional time to file the report and termed its conduct as “irresponsible”.
The court observed that if the SIT fails to respect the directions of the court, it would be difficult to believe that the investigation is being conducted properly.
The bench also remarked that the SIT appeared to be adopting new tactics to prevent the court from knowing the contents of the report in advance. The judges noted that the SIT might be delaying the submission fearing that the court would examine the report thoroughly and raise several questions.
The court reminded officials that it was well aware of such administrative tactics, as judges had previously served in legal positions within the government.
Issuing a stern warning, the court said that if officials entered into direct confrontation with the judiciary, it would demonstrate their place in the system. The High Court stated that it had entrusted the investigation to the state police with confidence, but if the SIT continued in the same manner, it might consider handing over the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The matter has been adjourned to Tuesday for further hearing.