The division bench of Justices Bela Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal appeared reluctant to entertain the plea, emphasizing that Chandrashekhar is an accused and questioning his eligibility to request a transfer.
NEW DELHI: On Friday (17th May): Conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar filed a plea with the Supreme Court seeking a transfer from Mandoli jail, where he is currently in custody in a money laundering case.
READ ALSO: Jacqueline Fernandez Withdraws Court Plea Against Sukesh Chandrashekhar’s Extortion Case
Initially, Justices Bela Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal expressed hesitation in considering Chandrashekhar’s plea, questioning how an accused individual could seek a transfer.
You are an accused. How you can seek transfer? Would you like me to continue rewriting the rest of the paragraph as well?
Chandrashekhar’s counsel, PS Patwalia, argued that the surveillance and threats violate his client’s fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. Patwalia pointed out that Chandrashekhar had previously raised allegations of extortion while in Tihar jail, leading to his transfer to Mandoli pending investigation.
Furthermore, Chandrashekhar’s apprehension for his safety heightened with the appointment of Dhananjay Rawat as the Jail Superintendent at Mandoli, against whom he had previously made allegations. Patwalia emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging the court to consider transferring Chandrashekhar to a different facility anywhere in the country except Punjab and Delhi.
Sukesh Chandrashekhar, through his counsel PS Patwalia, raised concerns regarding being subjected to surveillance, citing two cameras monitoring him and individuals equipped with body cameras observing his transactions. Patwalia argued that such monitoring tactics amounted to a violation of Chandrashekhar’s right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Despite the court’s initial reluctance, the bench issued notice to the Delhi Government and jail authorities, acknowledging Chandrashekhar’s concerns. While the court noted that the surveillance cameras were intended for Chandrashekhar’s safety, it recognized the validity of his apprehensions and decided to proceed with the matter.
Chandrashekhar’s counsel urged for a transfer to any location in the country, except areas without the presence of the Aam Aadmi Party, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Regarding the surveillance issue, Patwalia stated,
“I am living with two cameras directed towards my body. This is not how a person can live. I am being pressurized to withdraw my complaint.”
In response to the court’s inquiry about the connection to the new jail superintendent, Patwalia reiterated the threat to Chandrashekhar’s life at Mandoli jail.
READ ALSO: Jacqueline Fernandez Knowingly Used, Enjoyed Conman’s Gains From Crime: ED
Background
Sukesh Chandrashekhar, also known as Sukesh, is an alleged conman who has gained notoriety for his involvement in several high-profile scams and financial frauds. He has been accused of duping prominent individuals and politicians by posing as a high-ranking government official or a member of the Prime Minister’s Office.
Chandrashekhar is currently facing charges of cheating, extortion, and money laundering. In a previous hearing in July 2022, the Supreme Court had directed him to disclose the names of Tihar jail officials to whom he allegedly made payments exceeding Rs 12.5 crores to maintain a lavish lifestyle behind bars. Subsequently, he was transferred to Mandoli jail as per the court’s order in August 2022.
Case Title: Sukesh Chandrashekhar @ Sukesh and Another v. State of NCT of Delhi
