The Supreme Court Yesterday (Dec 20) granted interim protection from arrest to lawyer Hardyal Inder Singh, accused of stealing judicial documents and equipment from the Ludhiana Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court. A Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Prashant Kumar Mishra issued a notice to the Punjab government and directed that Singh not be arrested until the next hearing on January 3, 2025, provided he cooperates with the investigation as required.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday provided interim protection from arrest to a lawyer, Hardyal Inder Singh, accused of stealing a judicial file and a computer screen from the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Ludhiana.
The matter, which raises questions about judicial integrity, has now been listed for a hearing on January 3, 2025.
A Bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Prashant Kumar Mishra issued notice to the State of Punjab and ordered that:
“Till the next date of hearing, the petitioner shall not be arrested in connection with FIR No. 44, dated 28th February, 2022, under Section 380 read with Sections 411, 427, 454, 409, 201 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, registered at Police Station Division No.5, Ludhiana, Punjab, subject to his joining the investigation as and when called upon to do so by the Investigating Officer.”
The case originates from a complaint by Karan Kumar, an Ahlmad (court clerk), who discovered that the court office was unlocked, and several items, including a judicial file and a computer screen, were missing after a two-day holiday. The subsequent investigation led to multiple allegations and arrests.
Sequence of Events
- CCTV Footage and Co-Accused Statements:
- Chetan Kumar, a co-accused with access to the court premises, was captured on CCTV carrying the stolen computer screen.
- During interrogation, Chetan Kumar implicated Deepak Dogra, another co-accused, who allegedly conspired to steal the judicial file and promised payment for the act.
- Involvement of the Lawyer:
- Deepak Dogra claimed he handed over the stolen file to Singh, a practicing lawyer, on February 28, 2022.
- Singh, however, denied any involvement, arguing that the accusations were fabricated and based solely on contradictory statements by the co-accused.
Charges Filed
The lawyer has been booked under the following sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC):
- Section 380: Theft in a building.
- Section 411: Dishonestly receiving stolen property.
- Section 427: Mischief causing damage.
- Section 454: House-breaking.
- Section 409: Criminal breach of trust by a public servant.
- Section 201: Disappearance of evidence.
- Section 120-B: Criminal conspiracy.
High Court Proceedings
Singh approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking anticipatory bail. However, the High Court denied relief, citing the seriousness of the charges and their implications for the integrity of judicial proceedings.
The High Court emphasized that the theft of crucial judicial documents posed a significant threat to the administration of justice, warranting a thorough investigation.
Supreme Court Decision
Aggrieved by the High Court’s decision, Singh appealed to the Supreme Court, where he was granted interim relief from arrest.
Singh’s counsel argued:
- There was no direct evidence linking him to the theft.
- The allegations were based on contradictory statements by the co-accused.
- Singh had no motive to steal the judicial file.
The Bench, while granting protection, directed Singh to cooperate with the investigation.
Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, along with Advocates Nikhil Jain and Manish Verma, represented Singh in the Supreme Court.
CASE TITLE:
Hardyal Inder Singh v. State of Punjab.
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