The apex court, which posted the matter for hearing next week, also directed Mumbai Police to place before it the status report of the probe conducted so far in Rajput's death case. Rajput, aged 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14 and since then Mumbai police has been probing the case keeping in mind various angles. 

At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that the Bihar government's recommendation has been accepted and the case has been transferred to the CBI. Let the Maharashta government respond to the plea of Rhea Chakraborty and so far as the death of the artist is concerned, that truth should come out, the bench said during the hearing conducted through video-conferencing. A gifted and talented artist has passed away in this case, the bench observed, adding that the fundamental issue raised before it is the jurisdiction as to which police would probe it.

During the hearing, senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Rajput's father, said he has no difficulty if the apex court examines the case but no protective order should be passed in favour of Chakraborty. Singh alleged that Maharashtra Police is destroying the evidence in the case and for the time being, they should be directed to cooperate with Bihar Police in the ongoing probe. Senior advocate R Basant, appearing for Maharashtra, told the bench that Patna Police has no jurisdiction to either lodge an FIR or investigate the matter and this has been made a political case.

The incident of quarantining a police officer (of Bihar) has not sent a good message, the bench observed, adding that the Mumbai Police has good professional reputation. Kindly ensure that everything is done in accordance with law, the bench said.

The Maharashtra government told the bench, "We are doing quite a professional job and it is inappropriate that Mumbai Police is being accused like this."  Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Chakraborty, told the bench that no coercive action be taken against her till the pendency of the matter. "We want all parties to hold their hands. Lawyers are here and I am sure they have all heard you", the bench observed.