Shimla, Oct 1,
The Supreme Court of India has put a stay on the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s order that directed a fresh Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into a case involving a businessman from Palampur. The order was originally passed on September 23 by a division bench of Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua. The case had sparked widespread attention due to the involvement of top officials and the nature of the allegations.
The High Court had directed that sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to extortion (Sections 384 to 387) be added to an FIR that had been lodged at the McLeodganj police station. Furthermore, it ordered a fresh investigation by a new SIT, with an SP-level officer included under the approval of the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure a more thorough probe. This decision came after remarks made by the DGP that seemingly contradicted the earlier SIT investigation’s findings.
Also read : Himachal Pradesh HC commends DGP for fair probe into Nishant case
The initial SIT investigation had reportedly concluded the matter, and the state’s Advocate General argued against reopening the probe. However, the High Court found the initial findings insufficient, warranting a deeper investigation.
The Supreme Court’s bench, led by Chief Justice of India, after hearing a special leave petition filed by former DGP Sanjay Kundu, stayed the High Court’s order. The Apex Court is now set to examine whether the High Court exceeded its jurisdiction by ordering a new probe after the SIT had already submitted its findings.
The case will next be heard on November 4, 2024, with the stay providing temporary relief to those challenging the High Court’s decision.
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