The Gujarat High Court Friday rejected the plea of Rubabuddin Sheikh, brother of staged shootout victim Sohrabuddin Sheikh, to be a party to the hearing of former minister Amit Shah's bail plea.

Rejecting the plea, Justice Akil Kureshi confirmed the order of the lower court. Earlier Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special judge G.K. Upadhyay Aug 30 rejected Rubabuddin's plea with the observation that he cannot directly join as party in the case though he can submit evidence or documents related to the case to the CBI which, in turn, can apprise the court about it.

Earlier, a lawyer on behalf of Shah submitted that Rubabuddin is not a victim in the case and hence cannot joint as a respondent while hearing the bail application.

In his application, Rubabuddin contended that Shah should not be given bail as he is likely to tamper with evidence and hamper investigation which is in a crucial stage. Shah's bail application is slated to be heard on Sep 7 in the CBI court.

Shah was arrested by the CBI July 25 on the charges of murder, extortion and kidnapping. His bail application was filed on July 26.