HC judge raps M N Singh

You can retire from your post, but not from your case. This observation was made by Mumbai High Court Justice R M S Khandeparkar, who slammed former police commissioner M N Singh for not being present in court for a hearing against three policemen, Senior Inspector M S Rao, Senior Inspector Rajan Dhobale, inspector R K Kasbekar, for neglect of duty.The judge went on to berate the government pleader and directed Singh to be present in his court on January 23 when he pronounces a judgment in the case.
The original contempt petition being heard is against three policemen for neglecting their duty by not investigating a complaint of attempted murder made by Advocate Vinay Rathi. The officers stated that they did not investigate the case because Rathi did not provide witnesses. At this, the judge said that it was the job of the policemen to look for witnesses and to investigate charges.
Singh was required to be present for the hearing as the complaint about the officers had been sent to him. On January 14, the court asked the government pleader if the respondents were present. At first, the pleader said that all respondents were present, but when the judge called for all respondents, it turned out that Singh was missing. A visibly upset judge asked the pleader why Singh was absent. The pleader replied that Singh had retired and hence had nothing to do with the case. However, Justice Khandeparkar retorted, “So what if Singh has retired? He cannot retire from a contempt of court case. Tell him to be present on January 23 to explain why he has committed contempt, and I will pronounce my judgment.�
Rathi pointed out that Singh had never come to court when he was summoned, and asked that M N Singh be punished for contempt of court. The judge, in turn, directed Rathi to support the court’s contentions with evidence when asked.
shahnawaz.islam@timesgroup.com