HC notices to Chouhan, others

Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Apr 24 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh High Court today issued notices to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Home Secretary, Raisen Collector and Public Prosecutor on a petition challenging withdrawal of a case against Mr Chouhan.

Hearing a petition by Raisen-resident Siddarth Gupta, Justice Manjusha Namjoshi issued the notices and sought reply within three weeks.

The petitioner told the court that Mr Chouhan had been granted bail in 1995-96 in a case registered before Gauharganj First Class Judicial Magistrate's court. However, he was declared absconding, as he did not appear in the court.

The court had also fined Mr Chouhan and other accused. But, the case was withdrawn on Public Prosecutor's request despite the fine.

The petitioner prayed that withdrawing the case was not appropriate, as the Chief Minister and other accused had been fined in the case and were out on bail.

UNI XC-PS YA GC1745