HC directs fresh charge of cheating against Monica

Hyderabad, Aug 3 (UNI) Justice K C Bhanu, Judge of the AP High Court on Wednesday directed the Trial Court to frame a fresh charge of cheating against Ms Monica Bedi, a film actress, who has been facing prosecution for allegedly obtaining a fake passport.

Justice Bhanu passed the above order while allowing a revision petition moved by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Earler, the Special Judge for CBI cases had refused to frame the charge against Monica on the ground that the prosecution had not placed any material to connect her with the said offence.

He felt that all the witnesses, who were brought on record on behalf of the prosecution did not mention or say anything against Monica, with regard to preparation of a fake passport for her.

Against the order of the special judge, the CBI filed revision petition before the High Court.

Justice Bhanu observed that when there is already a charge under Sec 120-B IPC (criminal conspiracy), there is nothing wrong, if the charge of cheating (Sec 420) was also added and the prosecution be given an opportunity to let in evidence in support of their claim that Monica had cheated the Central Government by obtaining a fake passport in the name of Sana Malik Kamal.

UNI XR/ASJ SBA GC2125