Thread by @barandbench

#SupremeCourt to hear Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia's plea for anticipatory bail in a drug case registered by the Punjab Police @bsmajithia #PunjabElections2022

Sr Adv Mukul Rohatgi: I will show that this is a classic case of political vendetta. He is a member of prime opposition, He has never dealt in drugs or found with anything. FIR is a telltale itlself

@bsmajithia #PunjabElections2022

Rohatgi: there cannot be a grosser case of vendetta or political humiliation. On Dec 20, 2021 the FIR was registered. Now look at the occurrence of the offence

@bsmajithia #PunjabElections2022

CJI: I will tell the story of the case. The 2013 HC had registered a suo motu plea to probe the case. 2014 some accused arrested and one of the accused mentioned a statement against petitioner. then made an application to withdraw the same. Then SIT was formed

CJI: 10 supplementary chargesheets were filed. 2017 another SIT was formed and later the HC directed the newly constituted SIT to probe international drug allegations. 5 chargesheets were filed and majithia was not mentioned

CJI: 2018 HC formed a high power committee. media reports indicating petitioner name was published. Majithia filed defamation suit. Later Punjab DGP based on ADGP report filed FIR against petitioner. Later Dec 2021 FIR was registered. This is the sum and substance

Rohatgi: i want to add further some factors. It was registered on Dec 2021 and it was upon instruction of the person who was acting DGP on 18 Dec 2021. @bsmajithia #PunjabElections2022

Rohatgi: Please see the FIR, within 2 days, DGP has read everything. DGP writes a letter dated Dec 20 to the officer to register a case against Majithia. Head of STF is estranged relative of majithia.

Rohatgi: STF has not examined the petitioner till now starting from 2014. ED has filed many chargesheets and convictions against many has taken place. this is a poll bound state and this FIR is a month before the elections.

CJI: it was asked why petitioner wife has not taken husband name

Rohatgi: yes they are asking for Majithia's 20 year old wedding album. no drug trafficking by him and offence period is from 2004 to 2014..so much water has flown. I am not running away anywhere

Rohatgi: In Gulberg singh case element of political vendetta and political humiliation was looked at. majithia who have had a clean record is now being hounded

Sr Adv P Chidambaram appears for state: its a gross case of international drug trafficking

Chidambaram: There are 3 persons based in Canada and 3 persons based in India. statements have been record and one accused attended majithia wedding and have even stayed at his residence and provided even his gunmen and security

Chidambaram: the canada ones were summoned, one said he has covid, one switched off phone and other is in jail for some other case.

Chidambaram: Punjab now is sinking under a drug trail and we have to send a message that drug trafficking will not be taking lightly else future of punjab youth is damned.

CJI: We understand all of that but..

Chidambaram: I am not saying throw him into a dark hole. there is a need for custodial interrogation in this case.

CJI: When is the election?

Chidambaram: its on February 20, 2022

CJI: Sorry to say there was another mentioning regarding simarjit singh bains.. where a case has been registered against him. sorry to say suddenly these criminal cases are coming out before elctions. at least allow to file nominations

CJI: We are not saying hold your hands and not control drug mafias. But let the elections take place on Feb 20

Chidambaram: this is not a political action. Let them surrender on Feb 21 and we move trial court for custody

Rohatgi: there is not a word of truth in What mr Chidambaram said

CJI: Heard the counsels, for the present we are protecting the petitioner from arrest till February 23. On 23rd Majithia has to surrender before trial court and apply for regular bail.

CJI: such application to be considered expeditiously.

Mr Chidambaram, please advise your state that such cases are not filed before elections. another case is coming tomorrow

Chidambaram: I know political vendetta exists. But i assure this case has a long history

Chidambaram: I assure you there will be no politically vindictive action in the state.

Hearing ends

@bsmajithia

"Criminal cases coming up before elections:" Supreme Court grants interim protection to SAD leader Bikram Majithia

report by @DebayonRoy

#PunjabElections2022 #SupremeCourt #bikrammajithia

Read story: bityl.co/Aixz

Sorry to say this but criminal cases coming up before elections: Supreme Court to Punjab government

#supremecourt #PunjabElection2022

Read more here: bityl.co/Aiyn