State directed to file FIR on complaint of businessman involving HP DGP
Shimla, Nov 16,
In a significant development today, the Himachal Pradesh High Court raised questions regarding the State government’s failure to file an FIR based on a complaint by businessman Nishant Sharma. The complaint alleges criminal intimidation involving the State Director General of Police (DGP) and others.
A Division bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Ramchandra Rao and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua directed the state to explain its inaction, citing a Supreme Court judgment emphasizing the prompt filing of FIRs in cases of intimidation. The businessman, Nishant Sharma, expressed concerns about threats to his life following a call from the DGP office.
State Advocate General Anup Rattan revealed that the court insisted on the immediate filing of an FIR and adjourned the matter to next Wednesday. The court also expressed apprehension for the safety of the complainant, instructing the state to provide security cover. A status report on related FIRs and the progress of investigations is expected on the next hearing.
Notably, on November 10, the High Court took suo moto cognizance of Nishant Sharma’s complaint. On Thursday the court also appointed amiscurie on behalf of businessman Nishant Sharma to help the court in the suo moto petition.
The High Court’s intervention comes as it issued notices to the State of Himachal Pradesh, the Secretary of Home, and Superintendents of Police in Kangra and Shimla. The businessman, Nishant Kumar Sharma of Palampur, had submitted a complaint to Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao, prompting the court’s attention to the matter.
The issue took took spotlight as a public feud between the two (DGP and businessman) as Businessman Nishant Kumar Sharma resident of Palampur in Kangra district addressed a press conference at Palampur and lodged a complaint with SP Kangra alleging inevitable threat to him and family’s life and property.
Documents in possession with us, reveal that the said incident began from October 27, 2023 when allegedly telephone calls were made to Nishant Kumar Sharma on behalf of DGP and he failed to respond and was followed by passing of some electronic message.
Complaint was lodged by Nishant Kumar Sharma on the this issue to SSP Kangra on October 28 after alleged threatening attempts by a few goons at Bhagsunag in Meclodganj in Dharmshala. In the similar complaint the businessman also mentioned about the alleged calls and phone numbers, of the DGP office and DSP and SHO Palampur. He also mentioned about a ‘Whatss app’ messaged by allegedly SHO Palampur. A complaint of similar nature was also sent to DGP Sanjay Kundu by Nishant Kumar Sharma after October 27 alleged incident of calls by the state police to the businessman. The copy of the complaint in the matter was also sent to Prez and PM of India, Guv & CM, Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh and Secretary home.
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