New Delhi: The CBI has urged the Supreme Court to consider transferring to it only those fake stamp paper cases, which have inter-state and national security ramifications in view of the limited resources and manpower at its disposal.

In an affidavit filed before the apex Court, the agency has also sought permission for it to identify such cases before taking up the investigation.

"In view of the limited resources and manpower available with the CBI, only those cases may kindly be considered for transfer, which have inter-state and national security ramifications, relate to large seizure of fake stamps/stamp papers or printing machines etc," CBI said.

The court would consider the CBI affidavit tomorrow (Feb 3, 2004) along with those filed by the Centre, various states, UTs (Union Territories) and NCT Delhi, which were issued notices on January 5 on a bunch of PILs seeking a unified CBI probe into the Rs 30,000 crore Telgi fake stamp paper scam.

Stating that fake stamp paper cases were already under investigation by police/Special Investigation Teams of various States, CBI sought direction to these agencies to cooperate with it and give complete access to all the material collected by them during their investigations or discreet verifications.

The CBI also asked the Court to direct the State agencies to give it access to audio-visual recordings of conversations and interviews of accused and witnesses and render all possible assistance to enable it to complete the investigation in an effective and speedy manner.