HC To Hear CB Plea On Extension Of Deadline To Submit Chargesheet On Nov 12

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Friday decided to hear the petition of the State Crime Branch police, seeking six-month extension of the deadline for submission of the chargesheet pertaining to police assault on a lawyer, on November 12.

The High Court on October 30 had directed IG, Crime Branch, Arun Bothra to complete the investigation and submit the chargesheet by November 9. Sitting judge of the High Court Justice C R Das was to monitor the case being probed by the IG, Crime Branch, who is the Investigating Officer (IO). The IO was directed to apprise Justice Das of the status of the probe every day.

Appearing in person, Bothra informed the court that it would take at least six weeks to complete the chargesheet of the investigation.

Though the court agreed to consider the request, the members of the High Court Bar Association appealed it to reserve the hearing on the petition of the Crime Branch till November 12 since the former is scheduled to take a decision with regard to the ongoing agitation at its general body meeting that afternoon.

The court, however, expressed resentment over revocation of the suspension of the two policemen since the case was sub judice. It directed the State Police to again suspend them.

On the other hand, the Association, at its general body meeting in the afternoon, decided to continue the agitation till November 12.

“We had a detailed discussion about the cases and counter cases filed by the lawyers and the police. The Association has decided that it will take a decision at its general body meeting in the afternoon after the High Court hears the case,” president of the Association, Srikant Nayak told mediapersons after the meeting.

On Director General of Police (DGP) request to the Association to discuss the issue, Nayak said they will attend the meeting if it is organised at a neutral location.