PEOPLE living in glass houses should “not throw stones” at others, the Supreme Court said on Friday and termed it “shocking” that former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh, who has served the State cadre for over 30 years, is now stating that he has no trust in the State Police.

The apex court, which was hearing Singh’s plea seeking transfer of all inquiries against him to an independent agency outside Maharashtra, said the petitioner should not have doubt on the police force in which he has served. “It is commonly said, the person who lives in glass house should not throw stones at others,” said a vacation bench of Justices Hemant Gupta and V Ramasubramanian.

“Your lordships are assuming that I (Singh) am living in a glass house,” said senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for Singh, and added that false cases have been lodged against the police officer. After the apex court observed that it would dismiss the petition, Singh’s counsel withdrew the plea and said he would avail other appropriate remedy. The bench allowed Singh to withdraw the plea.