NEW DELHI: In what is probably a first, a two-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India-designate H L Dattu, directed the central government to permanently absorb a DSP-rank officer as a deputy director in Enforcement Directorate (ED) within three days of its order.

Rajeshwar Singh, an encounter specialist in UP Police, was on deputation in ED when the apex court “trusted” him with the money laundering investigation in the 2G spectrum swindle. The ED bosses wanted him to be repatriated to UP Police when his deputation came to an end, but Singh successfully challenged the decision in the Central Administrative Tribunal. Sensing ED’s reluctance to give him a permanent perch, others took up cudgels for him by petitioning the SC. Their effort was rewarded when the court expressed concern over Singh being “harassed”, and having to “fight his own case” of reinstatement in the ED.The court was perhaps impressed by the fact that Singh handled investigation into virtually all important and politically sensitive cases with ED – Commonwealth Games, 2G spectrum allocations, Coalgate scam, AgustaWestland helicopter deal and money laundering probes against Jaganmohan Reddy, former Jharkhand CM Madhu Koda and former Haryana CM O P Chautala.Justice Dattu’s order on Monday was specific, “The central government shall confirm the permanent absorption of Rajeshwar Singh as deputy director within three days from today.” The bench further observed, “This court had trusted this man for conducting the trial (2G scam). Do you expect him to keep on fighting court cases and investigate the matter?”Sources in ED said the finance ministry has now cleared his permanent absorption as deputy director in ED and a formal order may be issued any time.This is the second that the apex court has backed Singh. On the earlier occasion, the court supported him when he filed a contempt petition against the Sahara group.Not everybody seems similarly impressed, though. The rising profile of the UP policeman and the halo of “celebrity investigator” that he has acquired is believed to have not gone down well with the revenue department under which ED functions. The peeve is said to be the reason why finance ministry, after having cleared his permanent absorption in ED, moved a plea in the apex court seeking his repatriation to his parent cadre, UP Police.His proximity to influential political figures and senior IAS officers; of course, other than those in the revenue department, also made many in the government wary of the police officer known for his legion of contacts.The government argued in the apex court that investigation in the 2G case was complete and he could be repatriated. However, Singh claimed he was still investigating the Aircel-Maxis deal in the 2G scam in which ED has filed a FEMA case and a show cause was issued for recovery of Rs 1,767 crore.