File photo of BJP's PM candidate Narendra Modi with his aide Amit Shah
The Centre today told the Supreme Court that it is not investigating Snoopgate, or the alleged spying on a woman in
Narendra Modi's Gujarat, which commissioned bitter political sparring in the middle of the national election.
The woman, an architect, and her father had petitioned the Supreme Court on Tuesday to block any probe by the Centre or Gujarat into whether the surveillance was ordered by Mr Modi. (read:
Snoopgate's Four Unanswered Questions)
The court today asked them to move the Gujarat High Court as the only probe commission in the case had been set up in that state.
The BJP and Mr Modi, its prime ministerial candidate, would read a major political advantage into the woman's statement to the court on Tuesday; she said she is "thankful" that the Gujarat police was assigned to tail her and it was for her own safety. (read:
'Thankful' for surveillance, woman tells Supreme Court)
"Snoopgate" involves allegations that secretly-recorded phone conversations reveal that as Gujarat Chief Minister, Mr Modi tasked his close aide Amit Shah, to ensure the woman was spied upon by top police officers.
The Gujarat government in December assigned a retired judge to investigate the allegations. The Congress controversially said days ago that it would also appoint a judge for another inquiry.
The BJP and key allies of the Congress objected immediately, arguing that a government whose term is about to end has no right to make important appointments. Law Minister Kapil Sibal had confirmed that the government has aborted its plans to select a judge to investigate Snoopgate. (read:
Congress allies agree with BJP over snoopgate appointment)
The BJP, led by Mr Modi, is expected to win the maximum seats in the election. The Congress, which is seen to be staring at its worst defeat, has been using Snoopgate to accuse Mr Modi of double speak on the issue of women's safety.