Shafin Jahan vs Asokan K.M. & Ors

Learned senior counsel for the petitioner states, that he has no objection to the National Investigation Agency carrying out the investigation, subject to this Court's ensuring that the investigation is fair. To ensure that the investigation carried out by the National Investigation Agency is fair, we consider it just and appropriate to direct, that the National Investigation Agency shall carry out the said investigation under the guidance of a retired Judge of this Court, namely, Mr. Justice R.V. Raveendran.

Mr. Justice R.V. Raveendran shall be paid a consolidated fee of Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh only) for a sitting with National Investigation Agency at Bangalore, and Rs.2,00,000/-(Rupees Two lakhs only) per day for travelling outside Bangalore, apart from reimbursement of all travelling, boarding, lodging and secretarial expenses, while discharging the responsibility entrusted to him. The Government of India shall reimburse the same to Mr. Justice R.V. Raveendran, within two weeks from the date of submission of the bills by his Lordship.

We make it clear to the parties, that before hearing the matter finally on merits, this Court shall require the presence of the concerned girl, namely, Akhila, the daughter of respondent no.1, and will speak to her in camera before taking a final decision.

Post for further consideration after the final investigation report is placed on the record of this case.