SC raps UP govt for not freeing man despite its order

One-liner: The Supreme Court on Wednesday rapped the Uttar Pradesh govt for not releasing a man arrested in connection with ₹ 3,500Cr Noida bike bot Ponzi scheme despite its order a month ago.

Bench unhappy: A three-judge bench stopped short of imposing cost on the state govt and said it is a serious matter.

• The top court noted that it had directed the release of accused Vijay Kumar Sharma on bail on Dec 13, 2021, and despite its order, he was not let out 

On the other side: Moreover, a magisterial court remanded him to further custody in violation of its order, it noted.

SC direction: The top court directed the investigating officer to forthwith take steps to release the applicant and comply with the order of the court without any loss of time. 

• It also said that it had passed the order with some purpose and if the state now fails to comply with it, it will summon the concerned secretary

Man to be freed: Additional Advocate General for Uttar Pradesh Vinod Diwakar assured the bench that the man will be released on Wednesday itself.

Background: The apex court on Dec 13, 2021, had directed the release of the petitioner on bail to the satisfaction of the concerned trial court.

Bottom line: It had also said that until the next date of hearing, no precipitative steps be taken against the petitioner in respect of an FIR registered by the police in Delhi.

Source: PTI