New Delhi, Aug 26 - The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on a plea by Buta Singh, chairperson of the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes, who had been summoned by the agency in connection with a graft case against his son.

Justice Geeta Mittal issued notice to the CBI, asking whether the agency had taken prior permission from the government for summoning the former union minister. The court asked the CBI to reply by Aug 31 when Buta Singh has been asked to appear before the CBI.

Senior advocate K.T.S. Tulsi, appearing on behalf of Buta Singh, contended: 'I have been issued three summons to appear before the agency without taking mandatory sanction from the centre. I hold a cabinet rank post and the agency cannot summon me without taking permission from the government.'

Tulsi added: 'Issuing notice by CBI is violative of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, which says that government sanction is required to interrogate a public servant above the rank of deputy secretary.