Allahabad HC Dismisses Plea Against Dy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya Over Alleged Fake Certificates

The Allahabad High Court has rejected a criminal revision plea challenging a lower courts order dismissing an application seeking registration of a case against Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya for allegedly using fake educational certificates in an election affidavit.

In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court on Thursday dismissed a criminal revision plea challenging a lower court's 2021 order that dismissed an application seeking registration of a case against Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya for allegedly using fake educational certificates in his election affidavit.

Delay Condonation Application Dismissed

The high court dismissed the application filed by the revisionist seeking condonation of delay in filing the revision and requesting the court to hear the petition on merit. Justice Samit Gopal also dismissed the delay condonation application filed along with the criminal revision petition by Diwakar Nath Tripathi, who had sought the court to set aside an order passed by the additional chief judicial magistrate (ACJM), Prayagraj, on September 4, 2021.

Reasons for Dismissal

The court observed that there were no substantial grounds taken in the application for condonation of delay and the affidavit in support of it to demonstrate the revisionist's seriousness in pursuing the matter. The averments in the affidavit were deemed vague and unsubstantiated, and the revisionist failed to provide sufficient cause for condoning the delay.

Court's Observations

The high court expressed its view that the applicant had been casual, non-serious, and non-vigilant in preferring the revision. Considering the facts, the law, and the absence of prejudice, the court concluded that the application for condonation of delay lacked cogent reasons, convincing justification, and substantiated material. Therefore, the court declined to condone the delay.

Revision Also Dismissed

As a result of dismissing the application for condonation of delay, the revision petition also could not be sustained and was consigned to records, as per the court's observation.

Background of the Case

Petitioner Tripathi had initially moved an application before the ACJM, Prayagraj, under section 156(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code, requesting the court to direct registration of a criminal case against the Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM for allegedly using fake educational certificates in his election affidavit and for obtaining a petrol pump.

The Allahabad High Court's dismissal of the criminal revision plea and the delay condonation application serves as a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of Keshav Prasad Maurya's educational qualifications. The court's observations highlight the importance of seriousness, vigilance, and adherence to legal procedures in pursuing legal matters.