Supreme Court Asks Uttar Pradesh Government to Respond to Ajay Rai’s Plea

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government on a plea by Congress’ Ajay Rai. Rai is challenging the Allahabad High Court’s decision not to quash criminal proceedings against him under the IPC and Gangsters Act.

Background

The case dates back to 2010 when an FIR was registered by Bhanu Pratap Singh at Chetganj police station in Varanasi. The FIR named six individuals, including Rai.

High Court’s Decision

On May 19, the Allahabad High Court dismissed Rai’s petition to quash the case. The High Court also refused to accept a compromise between the accused and the complainant, stating that the Gangsters Act is an independent offence imposed by the State government.

Supreme Court’s Notice

A vacation bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Rajesh Bindal has sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh government and Bhanu Pratap Singh. Rai’s counsel requested a stay on the proceedings, but the bench refused. The next hearing is scheduled for July 15.