The apex court noted there was "an unfortunate state of affairs" prevailing for a "considerable time" during which the forest and minerals were illegally exploited involving politicians and corporate entities which requires probe by a competent and independent agency uninfluenced by the stature of the persons.
"The CBI shall undertake investigation in a most fair, proper and unbiased manner uninfluenced by the stature of the persons and the political or corporate clout, involved in the present case.
"It will be open to the CBI to examine and inspect the records of any connected matter pending before any investigating agency or any court," a special Forest bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia said.
The bench, also comprising justices Aftab Alam and Swatanter Kumar, stayed all pending proceedings before all judicial forums in connection with the case.
"The CBI shall complete its investigation and submit a report to the court of competent jurisdiction with a copy of the report to be placed on the file of this court within three months," the bench said posting the matter for perusal of CBI report on August 3.
The report of the court-appointed Central Empowered Committee had pointed out "undue favour" in respect of a land purchased by close relatives of Yeddyuruppa for 40 lakh in 2006 and subsequently sold to South West Mining Ltd, an alleged "front company of JSW Steels Ltd" in the year 2010 for Rs 20 crores.
The court ordered that a special investigating team, headed by an officer not below the rank of Additional Director General of Police or Additional Commissioner be constituted for the probe. (More)