In the midst of a raging controversy over closure of the 'cash-at-judge's-door' case, the Supreme Court, which had denied that CBI had approached the Chief Justice, now says the information is "confidential".

The Court was replying to a RTI petition seeking details on whether the Chief Justice of India was approached by the CBI wanting permission to prosecute Justice Nirmal Yadav of Punjab and Haryana High Court in the case.

"I write to inform you that the information sought by you...is confidential and is exempted from disclosure under the section 8 (1) (e) and (j) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, you have no right to access the said information."

"Further as the information is not held by or under the control of the CPIO, Supreme Court India, your request cannot be acceded to..." Raj Pal Arora, Central Public Information Officer of the Supreme Court said in an RTI reply.

The reply is in sharp contrast to a statement earlier issued by its Secretary General M P Bhadran who said CBI did not approach the Chief Justice of India in the case.

Justice Yadav's name had figured in the alleged scam after the recovery of a mysterious bag containing Rs 15 lakh at the door of another Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Nirmaljit Kaur, which was said to have been delivered there due to confusion over names.

Justice Kaur reported the matter to the police. Later, the probe was given to CBI on the orders of administrator of Chandigarh.