Cash penalty slapped on Telgi, highest in judicial system

Pune, Jun 29 (UNI) The cash penalty of Rs 252.28 crore, slapped on kingpin of fake Stamp Paper Scam Abdul Karim Telgi by the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court, has created history in the Indian Judicial system.

As per the elaborate order of Special MCOCA Judge Chitra Bhedi, who sentenced Telgi to 13 years RI yesterday, the prison term will work out far more in years, as the punishment in default would amount to more than 15 years if Telgi failed to pay the cash fine.

The Judge, under MCOCA's section 3 (1-II), 3(2) 3(4) and 3(5), imposed 13 yrs RI and Rs 50 crore fine and in default 3 years in jail and under MCOCA section 4, 3 years and Rs 50 lakh. While under IPC 120 (B) criminal conspiracy under Bombay Stamp Act, the Judge imposed Rs 50 crore. And under 17 various section (4) the judge has imposed fines ranging from Rs one lakh to several lakh amounting to Rs 2.28 crore.

The judge said she had taken a ''lenient view'' while delivering the quantum of punishment considering Telgi's repentance for the crime and his ill health and personal circumstances.

The Special MCOCA Judge is moving on to her new assignment at the City civil court in Greater Mumbai. She is being replaced by Special Judge S P Hayatnagarkar.

UNI