SIT chief MB Shah assures speedy probe in black money cases

Former Supreme Court judge M B Shah, who is heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up to investigate cases of black money has assured a speedy probe despite the "complexities" involved in the investigations.

"A number of complexities would be there, and at present it is difficult for me to say which complexities I would face. But I will try to solve them as early as possible," Justice Shah said.

The former judge assured to "finish the work as early as possible."

Citing the instances of investigation into the cases of illegal mining  (in Odisha and Goa), he denied any delays in submission of inquiry commission reports.

"I was the chairman of a commission on illegal mining of iron ore. I submitted the first interim report (relating to Orissa) within two months…"Thereafter, the Goa report within six months. And thereafter the further report of Odisha in next six months. So I am sure that I will finish the work (probe in black money issue) as early as possible," he said.

Justice Shah said he would be firm in dealing with big political and corporate personalties if they are found to be involved in stashing away black money in foreign banks.

"I have worked for many years as a judge - 15 years as a high court judge and then five years as a Supreme Court judge. I have never bothered about personalities and nobody has dared to touch me. It is as good as that. Do not worry about it," he said.

On the setting up of the SIT, he said it was a direction of the Supreme Court that had to be obeyed by the government.

"The matter was pending for the last two years. Thereafter, a stay order was granted on a review petition. The stay was vacated 15 days ago. Last week, the Supreme Court directed a probe into the issue as early as possible."

"Once the Supreme Court direction came, the government was bound to follow it. Once the review petition was dismissed, there was no alternative for any government."

Also see:  Day 1, Act 1: Modi government sets up SIT to track black money

and  Govt shows its resolve to fight black money menace, assures investors