LIVE UPDATES - Narada Case Hearing : Calcutta High Court Orders House Arrest of TMC Leaders

Singhvi says the Ministers should also be given access to the files related to COVID work, vaccination etc, if they are kept in house arrest.

Singhvi says that the arrest of the TMC Ministers affect the COVID work in State of West Bengal.

The bench re-assembles.

Singhvi says he wants to say 3 things :

1)Difference of opinion should lead to liberty.

2)Bench must be constituted today itself.

3)They are pressing for interim-bail.

Luthra and Singhvi take short time to take instructions on the matter.

The bench will re-assemble after 10 minutes. Singhvi and Luthra will get instructions in the meanwhile.

Luthra : Admittedly investigation is over. There is no requirement of custody. Under what provision the custody will be given? Sec 167?

Acting CJ Bindal : This order was passed since interim bail plea was raised. Now it is surprising you are raising issues on merits after order

Singhvi : If the choice is between full arrest and house arrest, it will be house arrest. But if the choice is between freedom and house-arrest, it will be freedom.

Singhvi seeks short time to take instructions. Meanwhile Sidharth Luthra making submissions.

Justice Banerjee : One of the members of the bench thought it fit to grant interim-bail. The other member of the bench did not agree. So this point of interim bail has to be considered by the larger-bench. In the meantime, considering pandemic situation, house arrest given.

Acting CJ Bindal : This order was passed taking note of your request for interim-bail.

Singhvi : The request was made at 4.30 PM that day. Arguments were not complete.

Singhvi says the arrested TMC leaders should be released on interim bail till the matter is heard by the larger bench.

Singhvi : The interim situation should be freedom. These are Ministers, MLAs. There is no possibility of flight risk. There has been no slightest allegation of them not cooperating with investigation.

Sr Adv AM Singhvi says he is "taken aback" by the house-arrest order, as it has been passed mid-way of the hearing.

'House arrest is no less than arrest. They should be released', Singhvi presses.