Explanation
The correct option is The Hawala case and Narasimha Rao case..
The Supreme Court of India, under its Writ Jurisdiction (Article 32) and the power to do complete justice (Article 142), has the authority to direct independent agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate criminal charges. This power is frequently exercised in cases involving high public functionaries to ensure impartiality and insulate the investigative process from political interference, often utilizing the doctrine of "continuing mandamus."
Option Analysis:
- The Hawala case and Narasimha Rao case.: Correct.
- The Hawala Case (Vineet Narain v. Union of India, 1997): This case involved allegations of payments to politicians and bureaucrats through illegal channels (Hawala). The Supreme Court directed the CBI to investigate the corruption charges and monitored the probe. This judgment also led to significant structural changes to ensure the autonomy of the CBI and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
- The Narasimha Rao Case (JMM Bribery Case): This case involved allegations that Members of Parliament belonging to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) were bribed to vote against a no-confidence motion in 1993. The Judiciary directed the CBI to investigate the corruption charges against former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and others.
- The Shah Bano case.: Incorrect. The Shah Bano case (1985) pertained to the right of a divorced Muslim woman to claim maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). It was a landmark case regarding personal laws and gender justice, unrelated to CBI investigations into political corruption.
- The Mandal Commission case.: Incorrect. The Mandal Commission case (Indra Sawhney v. Union of India, 1992) dealt with the constitutional validity of the 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in public employment. It focused on the interpretation of Article 16 and the extent of affirmative action.
- The Ayodhya dispute case.: Incorrect. The Ayodhya dispute case was primarily a civil title suit concerning the ownership of the land at the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site. While criminal proceedings existed regarding the demolition, the primary Supreme Court adjudication referred to here concerned property rights and historical title.
Key Takeaway:
The Judiciary intervened to direct and monitor CBI investigations into political corruption in the Hawala Case (Vineet Narain case) and the Narasimha Rao Case (JMM Bribery case) to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability in high offices.