In his plea, Sukesh Chandrashekhar, through advocate Anant Malik, requested permission for five weekly meetings with his legal counsel, which would be an increase of three meetings from the current two-per-week allowance.
NEW DELHI: Today (14th Aug): Delhi High Court’s Justice Subramonium Prasad recused himself from hearing a plea filed by alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Chandrashekhar had sought permission to increase the number of meetings with his legal counsel while in jail.
Currently allowed two meetings per week, he requested an additional three, bringing the total to five weekly meetings. His plea referenced the Arvind Kejriwal case, where a similar request was granted. Sukesh has argued that a “similar provision should be applied” in his case as well.
Advocate Anant Malik, representing Chandrashekhar, argued that the petitioner, an undertrial involved in several high-profile cases across various jurisdictions, finds the current allowance of virtual meetings inadequate.
Chandrashekhar’s petition also highlighted his personal challenges, such as isolation from his family due to the distance and the incarceration of his spouse, which exacerbates his distress.
He contends that the current limitations on legal consultations infringe upon his fundamental rights under Article 22(1) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of one’s choice.
Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India, 1950, states that anyone who is arrested and detained must be informed of the reasons for their arrest as soon as possible. The article also guarantees the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of the arrested person’s choice. The purpose of this provision is to ensure transparency and fairness in arrest and detention, and to prevent arbitrary or unlawful detainment.
In his latest plea, Sukesh Chandrashekhar, through advocate Anant Malik, requested permission for five weekly meetings with his legal counsel, which would be an increase of three meetings from the current two-per-week allowance.
Chandrashekhar stated that he is involved in numerous legal proceedings across various locations, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Mumbai, and Delhi. These cases require his active participation and frequent consultations with his legal team.
Justice Subramonium Prasad, before whom the plea was presented, decided not to hear the case.
Chandrashekhar also mentioned that with his mother residing in Chennai as his only remaining immediate family member and his wife being a co-accused currently in judicial custody, he lacks personal support and meaningful connections with the outside world. Consequently, he relies heavily on his legal counsel for interaction and emotional support.
READ ALSO: Jacqueline Fernandez Withdraws Court Plea Against Sukesh Chandrashekhar’s Extortion Case
Chandrashekhar now in custody at Mandoli Jail, accused of extorting Rs 200 crore from Aditi Singh, the wife of former Fortis promoter Shivinder Singh, under the false pretense of securing bail for her husband.
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