Punjab and Haryana High Court Seeks Justifications from Judge and Prosecutor for Overlooking HC Ruling
The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently directed a trial judge and a Public Prosecutor (PP) in Chandigarh to explain why they should not face contempt proceedings for disregarding the Court’s order in a loan fraud case [Suyog Jain vs Reserve Bank of India and Others].
The division bench, consisting of Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Sudeepti Sharma, expressed concern that the trial court had “wantonly disregarded” the High Court’s directives. The Court noted that such conduct prima facie constitutes contempt of court.
The case involves a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2016, accusing Vardhman Lifesciences, its Managing Director Suyog Jain, and others of loan default. On May 27, the High Court had ruled that the declaration of fraud was legally invalid as it lacked adherence to natural justice principles, leading to the quashing of the FIR.
However, despite this ruling, the trial court continued proceedings against the other accused after Jain’s FIR was quashed. The judge, while complying with the quashing order for Jain, failed to extend the same to the remaining accused. This decision came after the CBI’s claim that the quashing applied only to Jain.
Jain raised concerns that the trial court’s and the CBI’s actions created unnecessary confusion and delay. He requested further clarification on the High Court’s orders, highlighting the trial court’s and CBI’s failure to align with the legal directives.
The High Court has now ordered the Special Judicial Magistrate and the PP to provide their explanations by July 31.
(With inputs from agency)
Share your news, articles, deals, columns, or press releases with us! Click the link to submit and join our platform today.
