New Delhi, August 07, 2024: In a significant ruling today, the Supreme Court held the Police Inspector of Vesu Police Station in Gujarat and the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate of Surat guilty of Contempt of Court. The judgement was passed due to their actions of arresting and remanding an accused, disregarding an interim anticipatory bail order issued by the Supreme Court.
The Court has directed the contemnors to appear on September 02, 2024, to determine their sentences.
Background:
The case revolves around a petitioner accused of cheating, who sought anticipatory bail from the Supreme Court after being denied by the Gujarat High Court. On December 8, 2023, the Supreme Court issued a notice and granted him interim anticipatory bail, requiring his cooperation with the investigation.
Despite this order, the petitioner claimed that on December 12, 2023, he was summoned to appear before the Magistrate due to a police custody application. Subsequently, the Magistrate remanded him to police custody for four days until December 16. The petitioner alleged that during his time in custody, he faced threats and physical assault.
On January 10, a Bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta issued contempt notices to several officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Gujarat Government’s Home Department, the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police in Surat, and the Police Inspector of Vesu Police Station. Additionally, a contempt notice was issued to the 6th Additional Chief Magistrate of Surat for remanding the petitioner despite the Supreme Court’s interim order.
Following a detailed hearing, the Supreme Court reserved its judgement on March 12, ultimately finding the officials guilty of contempt.
The contemnors are required to be present in court on September 02, 2024, where their sentences will be decided.
