HC judge recuses himself from hearing Jena’s plea in murder case

Cuttack: Orissa high court judge Justice B P Routray has recused himself from hearing former minister Pratap Jena’s plea seeking quashing of the order of the court of judicial magistrate first class (JMFC), Salipur, that had taken cognisance of offences against the BJD MLA as an accused in the Mahanga double murder case.“List before any other bench next week with permission of the Chief Justice, where I (Justice Routray) am not a party,” Justice Routray said on February 13 without assigning any reason for the recusal.However, Justice Routray added, “Interim order dated November 2, 2023 shall continue till the next date of listing.”Justice Routray had first taken up Jena’s plea on November 2 and passed an order which said, “As an interim, it is directed that no coercive action shall be taken against the petitioner till December 19, 2023.” Subsequently, the interim orders were extended till January 17, then to February 1 and finally to February 13.According to legal experts, a judge withdraws from a case due to conflict of interest or a reasonable apprehension of bias. This is done to ensure the case is decided fairly and the outcome is not influenced by the personal biases of the judge.Jena filed the petition challenging the order on grounds of jurisdiction on October 31.The JMFC court’s order issued on September 24 said, “After going through the statements of the complainant, witnesses, and other available materials on record, it is found that a prima facie case punishable for the offences under sections 302, 506, 120B of the Indian Penal Code is made against the accused Pratap Jena.”BJP leader Kulamani Baral, who was block chairman of Mahanga, and his associate Dibyasingha Baral were killed by unidentified miscreants on January 2, 2021, while they were returning home in a motorbike.Initially, the double murder case was registered on the complaint filed by Ramakant Baral, son of Kulamani. Later after Ramakant’s death, his younger brother renewed the complaint.

HC orders expediting bail plea hearings

The Gujarat high court ordered all courts to expedite bail and anticipatory bail matters, aiming to finish bail proceedings in two weeks and anticipatory bail in six weeks.

Spl CBI Court reserves order on Kalyani plea

The special CBI court reserved orders on Kalyani Singh's application for unrelied police investigation documents in the Sippy Sidhu murder case. The court will decide on Feb 19.

Supreme Court refuses to interfere with HCs' orders in Indiabulls case

Supreme Court rejects ED's plea challenging HC orders quashing police and ED investigation against IHFL. SC asks ED to seek alternative remedies, including review of orders. Bombay HC quashed FIR without hearing ED after questioning conduct of complainant. ED probe initiated. Senior advocates represent the company. ED's locus standi questioned. Delhi HC proceedings discussed.