New Delhi, Feb 18 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea filed by alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who sought a transfer from Delhi’s Mandoli jail to a prison in his home state of Karnataka or a nearby state.
A bench, comprising Justices Bela Trivedi and P B Varale, observed that Chandrashekhar had made society “unsafe” and emphasized that courts must consider the rights of victims as well when accused persons claim violations of liberty.
“He made society so unsafe. Some people should also think about the other side. See what will happen to the victims. Every time, you are harping about the rights of the accused. Who will think of victims?” the bench remarked.
The Court strongly criticized Chandrashekhar for repeatedly filing petitions on the same issue, terming it a “misuse of the process of law.” The Bench noted that before this plea, three similar writ petitions had been filed and were not entertained.
The judges further pointed out that Chandrashekhar’s financial resources enabled him to keep filing petitions and engaging senior lawyers. “There is a limit to the abuse of process of law. You have money, and that is why you keep filing such petitions. We will dismiss it with costs … You are accused in 27 cases and still claim innocence?” Justice Trivedi remarked.
After the Court dictated the order, Chandrashekhar’s counsel requested the removal of adverse observations against him. However, the bench refused, stating, “It is okay. We are harsh. We know that. Everyone cannot be the same. Something has to be said. You can come back again.”
Chandrashekhar, a key accused in a multi-crore extortion scam, was arrested in 2015. The case against him includes allegations of using hawala routes to create shell companies and launder money. His counsel, Senior Advocate Shoeb Alam, argued that the transfer was necessary as Chandrashekhar’s family lived in Karnataka.
However, the Court rejected this argument, stating that society’s safety is also a concern. Justice Trivedi noted that the accused’s earlier grievances were linked to officials of the erstwhile Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government, which is no longer in power after the recent elections.
“Your grievance was against a Delhi government officer. Now that grievance does not remain anymore,” she said.
Alam also emphasized the plight of Chandrashekhar’s elderly parents and his undertrial status. “He is only a prisoner at the end of the day. I am an undertrial prisoner. My 77-year-old mother cannot see me,” he pleaded.
However, the bench remained unmoved. “Please see if your mother wants to see you at all like this or not,” Justice Trivedi responded.
Alam also claimed that Chandrashekhar was a victim of “media trial”, but the Court refused to intervene, ultimately dismissing the plea.
