Queency Jain
A single-judge bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad refused to grant interim protection from arrest to Businessman Navneet Kalra, in connection with Oxygen concentrator black marketing case in South Delhi.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing on behalf of Kalra, tried his best to convince the court, but the court made it clear that no interim protection can be given to him right now.
Though Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju representing Delhi police questioned the hearing of the anticipatory bail plea on the holiday of Eid, advocate on behalf of Kalra slammed him for criticizing the same and appraised the Delhi High Court that officials of Delhi Police are visiting the houses of Kalra’s relatives.
ASG Raju submitted that Kalra must not be given anticipatory bail on any grounds since doing so will give a wrong message to the people allegedly engaged in hoarding and urged to consider societal interest while deciding upon it.
During a raid 105 oxygen concentrators were recovered from 2 upscale restaurants in the Khan Market area, namely Khan Chacha and Town Hall, both owned by Navneet Kalra.
Delhi Police registered a case under various offences charging with cheating, disobedience to order promulgated by a public servant, criminal conspiracy and violating provisions of Essential Commodities Act, 1955 followed by seizing of oxygen Concentrators from restaurants in South Delhi.
After the trial court dismissed Kalra’s anticipatory bail, he moved Delhi High Court with his anticipatory bail plea which is further adjourned for further hearing on May 18.
