Taj case: Mayawati to face probe
	Monday, November 27, 2006 (New Delhi):Paving the way for investigations to continue against former UP Chief Minister Mayawati in the Taj Corridor scam, the Supreme Court had harsh words for the CBI which was investigating the case. Rejecting the CBI plea that the case be closed, the court observed, "The CBI is expected to do its duty in such cases honestly. But in this case, it was a charade." The court has said that the sessions judge in Lucknow could now proceed with the case based on the material in the case. The Taj corridor case had to do with plans for massive land acquisitions around the Taj Mahal and this land was to be used mostly for commercial purposes. No place to hide The Supreme Court has left no place for the CBI to hide. The agency wanted to shut the Taj Corridor case against BSP president Mayawati claiming there wasn't enough evidence against her. But on Monday, the court rejected the CBI's plea asking the special CBI judge in Lucknow to proceed against the BSP chief. The CBI's plea to withdraw the case was based on the Attorney General's opinion but the court shot it down. "The CBI director should have given his opinion and the AG's opinion has no meaning. "The CBI was expected to do its duty honestly in such cases. But the CBI has given a charade of performance," the court observed. This is yet another instance when the CBI has found itself earning the displeasure of the court in its near-defense of Mayawati. CBI ducks for cover CBI director Vijay Shankar could barely cover his embarrassment. "We will look into the directions of the SC and ensure that there are no more charades by the CBI if there have been any till now," said Vijay Shankar, Director, CBI. Mayawati has no immediate cause to panic. The legal road ahead is a long one. But the CBI needs sanction before filing a chargesheet against her. "The Special Judge will take cognisance of the case depending on the material before him. It is a long drawn process. It is not a setback to us," said SC Mishra, RS MP, BSP. Apart from the long legal battle the case is unlikely to impact Mayawati politically. That's because every time she faces a crisis, her first instinct is to return to her voters raise the dalit card and return stronger.