HP Chief Minister’s arrest prolonged?

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who is facing disproportionate assets case, narrowly escaped his arrest by CBI after getting stay order from high court few weeks ago. Hence, the CBI filed a petition in Supreme Court challenging high court’s decision on his arrest. Supreme Court bench lead by Chief Justice HL Dattu takes up the CBI emergency petition on Thursday.

In its petition, the CBI appeals the apex court to take up this case for trail on Friday, but the apex bench opined that it is not any emergency case and so asked the CBI to wait until the court reassembles after Dushera holidays.

This gives a temporary relief to Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, but the sword is still hanging on his head. If the apex court allows the CBI to arrest him, he has to quit his Chief Minister post. If so, it would create an embarrassing situation for Congress party which is ruling the state. It may also provide a strong weapon to BJP and rival parties in the Bihar Assembly Elections.