Criminal contempt case: BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak apologises, Madhya Pradesh High Court seeks personal appearance

BJP MLA and mining businessman Sanjay Pathak submitted an unconditional apology in a Madhya Pradesh High Court criminal contempt case, filed through his lawyer. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva directed Pathak to appear in person at the next hearing on April 21. The case relates to alleged contact with a judge linked to an illegal mining matter.

BJP MLA and mining businessman Sanjay Pathak submitted an unconditional apology in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The apology came in a criminal contempt matter linked to an alleged phone call. The court still directed Pathak to appear personally at the next hearing on April 21. The case relates to claims of attempted contact with a judge.

A division bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf heard the matter. Senior advocate and former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi appeared for Pathak. Rohatgi filed an affidavit through Pathak’s lawyer. The bench accepted the affidavit on record. The court then issued notice for Pathak’s personal presence on April 21.

Madhya Pradesh High Court criminal contempt case against Sanjay Pathak

Rohatgi told the court that criminal contempt punishment is used in limited situations. Rohatgi said it applies when conduct is inexcusable. Rohatgi also said it applies when a person refuses to accept fault. Rohatgi added that Pathak admitted the mistake. Rohatgi said Pathak sought an unconditional apology through the affidavit.

The High Court ordered registration of the criminal contempt case on April 2. The order followed allegations that Pathak tried to contact a judge. The issue was linked to a case on alleged illegal mining. The court action was based on concern about interference with the judicial process. The matter was listed for further hearing.

Illegal mining allegations linked to Sanjay Pathak in Madhya Pradesh High Court

Arvind Shrivastava, counsel for petitioner Ashutosh Dixit, described what happened in court. Shrivastava said the bench acted on its own. Shrivastava said the court viewed Pathak’s call attempt as contempt. Shrivastava also said Justice Vishal Mishra was the judge involved. The allegation concerned a phone contact linked to the mining case.

Shrivastava said Justice Mishra recused from the mining-related matter in September last year. Justice Mishra had said Pathak tried to call to discuss the case. Justice Mishra then said the judge was not inclined to hear the petition. Earlier, Justice Mishra also directed the matter to the Chief Justice. That step was taken at the administrative level.

Ashutosh Dixit, a resident of Katni, made allegations in the plea before the High Court. Dixit alleged that three companies linked to Pathak carried out illegal mining. Dixit also alleged excessive mining in the Sihora area of Jabalpur district. Dixit further alleged mining on forest land. Dixit said complaints to authorities did not lead to concrete action.

After the alleged inaction, Dixit approached the High Court and sought action against Pathak. Pathak is the MLA from Vijayraghavgarh in Katni district. Shrivastava said the alleged call attempt amounted to interference. The court has taken the apology on record. Pathak must still appear in person on April 21 as the proceedings continue.

With inputs from PTI