HC restrains further investigation into Rita Bahuguna Joshi case

Allahabad, Feb 25 (UNI) The Allahabad High Court today directed the police authorities not to carry out further investigation into a case against Uttar Pradesh Congress Commitee (UPCC) presidnet Dr Rita Bhuguna Joshi at PS Civil Lines here.

The court also restrained the police from forming any opinion against petitioner (Joshi) under section 173 (2) CrPC.

The bench, comprising Justices Vinod Prasad and A K Singh, passed this order on a writ petition filed by UPCC president, challenging the validity of an FIR lodged against her.

Passing the order, the Judges also restrained the police authorities from harassing Rita Joshi in any manner what so ever in connection with the aforesaid FIR.

While admitting the writ petition, the court directed the state government as well as counsel for the informant to file their counter-affidavit into the case within three weeks. The court directed to list this case for hearing after the exchange of affidavits.

On Januray 16, 2008, one S B Gupta had lodged an FIR against Ms Joshi at Police Station Civil Lines, Allahabad, with an allegation that she had misused her power as Mayor of the city and got the state land transferred in the name of Nagar Nigam, Allahabad.

The FIR was lodged against her under section 120-B, 218, 420,467,468,471 IPC and section 13/14 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

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