Accused produced before wrong court; granted transit bail

A drama broke out when an accused arrested for allegedly evading duty Rs 3.3 crore, summoned by the excise department Faridabad, was produced in a Patiala House courtroom.

Taken aback, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ajay Pandey asked why was the accused Manu Jain brought there.

Satish Aggarwala, counsel for the Central Excise department said Jain did not honour three summons issued by the excise department, for appearance.

“Jain was apprehended by the excise officer at 9 am from Panchsheel Enclave, New Delhi,” Aggarwala submitted in court.

“If his production is required in Faridabad court, then take him to that court,” said the judge.

The judge noted that the accused was produced in the court way after lunch time, and no local agency including the local police officials were involved in the arrest.

The judge said, “Despite the opportunity of being produced before the court concerned, the accused was not intentionally produced there.”

Dismissing the contentions of the excise department explaining how Jain had evaded duties, the court said, “All these points could have been considered by the Faridabad court had he been produced there.” The court, thereafter, granted him transit bail.