In a new development in the Punjab National Bank scam case, the Supreme Court, for now, has decided to give the government a free hand to probe the over Rs 11,000-crore fraud.

How can we order probe in a day? We have to hear the attorney general who is representing the government. We must allow them to investigate.if government does not do, we can intervene. Only then we can. But not like this. You cannot insist on notice to the government, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra told advocate Vineet Dhanda, who had sought an independent probe and billionaire jeweller Nirav Modis deportation.

Dhanda had insisted on issuing a notice to the government, saying they should be answerable.

The rich are escaping with money..a small man is hounded by hauling him up till death. Let him at least argue on issues. Notice may be issued. Kindly see the morale of the customers. This involves interest of the entire country, he argued.

At the outset attorney general K K Venugopal, representing the government, said, We are opposing the petition. There is no need for intervention at this stage. This is a case in which FIRs have been filed, the investigation is on in the right earnest.

AG says he is opposing the petition on merits. Shouldnt we give him an opportunity to explain? Is investigation ordered in a day? These kinds of arguments which are wholly emotional cannot be allowed. You mean to say we must not hear the AG? CJI asked Dhanda.

The bench then adjourned the matter to March 16 for hearing the AG on why he is opposing the PIL.

The PIL has made Punjab National Bank, Reserve Bank of India and the ministries of finance and law and justice parties.

It has sought a direction for the initiation of deportation proceedings of Nirav Modi and others allegedly involved in the banking fraud, preferably within two months.

The plea has asked for a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the banking fraud, allegedly involving billionaire jewellers Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.

It has also asked for a probe into the role of the top management of the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

The plea has sought a direction to the finance ministry to frame guidelines on the grant and disbursal of loans involving big amounts.

It has also sought the setting up of an experts body to deal with cases of bad banking debts in the country.