New Delhi. The Supreme Court on Monday directed a Varanasi trial court to provide a copy of the charge sheet filed against Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, an accused in a 23-year-old criminal case. Hearing the petition filed by In this order, the High Court refused to quash the criminal case against him in a court in Varanasi.
The high court had, however, directed that if Surjewala files an application for acquittal before the lower court, it would be expeditiously considered and decided within six weeks. Hearing his plea, the Supreme Court bench took note of the submission of senior advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for Surjewala, that the trial is pending for more than 20 years and his client has not even been served a copy of the charge sheet.
The bench comprises Justice BR Gavai and Justice Vikram Nath. “In our view, it would not be in the interest of justice to allow the application seeking acquittal of the petitioner unless the copy of the charge sheet is supplied to him,” the bench said. Directs to give a copy of the charge sheet and thereafter ensure trial of the case in accordance with law. The apex court clarified that it has not said anything on the merits of the case.
The High Court, in its order, had also directed that no coercive action be taken against the Rajya Sabha MP for a period of two months or till the disposal of his application seeking acquittal, whichever is earlier. This case dates back to 2000. Surjewala, the then National President of the Youth Congress, was booked for creating ruckus in Varanasi in protest against the alleged framing of Congress leaders in the Sanvasini case.
Disposing of Surjewala’s application under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Inherent Powers of the High Court), Justice Rajeev Gupta said, “On perusal of the material on record and considering the facts of the case, at this stage, it is not It can be said that no offense is made out against the applicant. Surjewala was leading a demonstration organized at Varanasi on August 21, 2000. The protest was being held in protest against the alleged framing of Congress leaders in the inmate case involving women inmates of a reform home.
During the protest, the Congress leader along with his supporters allegedly damaged property, pelted stones and prevented public servants from discharging their duties. A criminal case was registered against him and others at the Cantt police station in Varanasi. At present, the hearing against him is going on in the MP/MLA court of Varanasi.
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