The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the trial against Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti, who requested a transfer due to concerns over witness tampering. The Court emphasized the state’s duty to ensure fair trials. It criticized the state’s lack of inquiry into the allegations and scheduled the next hearing for February 28.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 10th) put a stay on the trial in a cheating case against Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti, who had sought the transfer of the trial to another state.
A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan ruled that a fair trial means providing the accused with a full opportunity to defend himself and that it is the state’s responsibility to ensure that justice is upheld.
“…while we say this we must record that it is the duty of the state to ensure that a fair trial is conducted. Fair trial means full opportunity in accordance with law to accused to defend himself,”
the Court observed.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Bharti, alleged that defence witnesses were taken to a hotel and pressured to testify against his client. This raised serious concerns about witness tampering and the fairness of the trial.
The Supreme Court questioned the Additional Advocate General (AAG) representing the Madhya Pradesh government about whether the State had conducted any inquiry into these allegations. However, the AAG denied the claims without presenting any evidence of an investigation.
Dissatisfied with the response, Justice Oka sharply criticized the State’s approach, stating that it had failed to understand the seriousness of the issue.
“Look at the attitude of AAG. He is not answering simple questions. He is not able to understand what is the seriousness of the case…every other day, we say that advocate is officer of the court first.”
The Court has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to file its counter within two weeks. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 28.
This case has now raised larger questions about the integrity of trials, witness protection, and the role of state authorities in ensuring justice is served fairly.
Case Title – Rajendra Bharti v. State of Madhya Pradesh and Ors
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