Mumbai: The Maharashtra Government is not averse to the Centre's proposal to hand over the multi- crore fake stamps and stamp paper racket probe to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). But the decision would have to be taken by Mumbai High Court, Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said here today (November 24).

"As the Centre has decided to hand over the probe to CBI, the state Government has no objection to this move but the matter is sub-judicial and therefore the ultimate decision has to be taken by the High Court", Shinde told reporters. He was embarking on his election tour of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi.

"If a clarification is sought, we shall make our stand clear before the High Court on November 27 when the matter comes up for hearing," Shinde said.

The issue had generated a lot of heat with the Centre deciding to hand over the probe to CBI and the Maharashtra and Karnataka Governments not inclined to do so.

Earlier, Maharashtra Governor Mohammed Fazal had also informed the Centre that he (Fazal) was in favour of a CBI probe.

The High Court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by social activist and anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare and others alleging lopsided probe in the fake stamp paper case.

PTI