High Court Rejects Amar Mani Tripathi's Challenge Against Arrest Warrant

In a recent development from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed a plea by former Uttar Pradesh minister Amar Mani Tripathi. The plea challenged a non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against him and an order declaring him an absconder in a 2001 abduction case. Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh, presiding over the matter, stated that Tripathi's plea for regular bail would be considered on the same day if he appears before the court, referencing the Supreme Court judgment in Satender Kumar Antil versus CBI.

The case dates back to December 6, 2001, when an FIR was lodged in Basti district, Uttar Pradesh, following a complaint by Dharamraj. The complaint alleged the kidnapping of his son by unidentified individuals. During the investigation, Amar Mani Tripathi's name emerged in connection with the case, leading to his arrest and subsequent bail. A supplementary chargesheet was later filed under the Gangsters Act.

On November 1, 2023, the special judge of the MP-MLA court in Basti initiated proceedings against Tripathi under section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), officially declaring him an absconder. This move prompted Tripathi to challenge the order at the high court.

During the legal proceedings, senior advocate G.S. Chaturvedi, representing Tripathi and assisted by Ajatshatru Pandey, argued that declaring his client an absconder was incorrect since he had already been granted bail in the kidnapping case. They contended that Tripathi should be released on a personal bail bond in the subsequent case filed under the Gangsters Act.

However, the court's decision to dismiss Tripathi's plea underscores the judiciary's stance on ensuring that justice is served, especially in cases involving serious allegations such as abduction. The directive for Tripathi to appear and apply for regular bail aligns with legal precedents and offers a procedural pathway for addressing his grievances within the framework of India's criminal justice system.