J'khand HC defers Bhanu case till Nov 3

Ranchi, Oct 13 (UNI) Jharkhand High Court today gave three more weeks to the I.G. Administration, DSP (CID) and the Investigating Officers to appear in the court in connection with alleged withdrawal of three arrest warrants against expelled Forward Bloc MLA Bhanu Pratap Shahi.

Mr Shahi was denied oath by Governor Syed Sibtey Razi, while Chief Minister Madhu Koda expanded his cabinet twice saying that the three arrest warrants issued against Mr Shahi had been withdrawn.

The Governor sought clarification from the state government on the matter before allowing the former FB legislator to take oath.

Today, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Muthusamy Karpagavinaygam and Justice M.Y.Iqbal passed the order while hearing a writ petition.

Advocate General S.B.Gadodia pleaded before the Court that he had not gone through the counter affidavits filed separately by the I.G.

administration and the three investigating officers adding all the IOs filed their counter affidavit through their lawyers.

Mr Garodia said he could assist the Court only after he receives the counter affidavit.

The Court granted time to the state till November 3.

On October 9 the High Court had expressed serious concern over the withdrawal of arrest warrant against Mr Shahi.

Prior to the second Cabinet expansion, Mr Koda told a press conference that all arrest warrants against Mr Shahi had been withdrawn.

About 14 cases had been registered against Mr Shahi and warrants were issued in connection with three cases.

UNI XC-PRS KK AB 1605