Nagpur Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Former Minister Ranjeet Deshmukh
A joint civil judge in Nagpur has taken stern action by issuing a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against former state minister and senior Congress leader Ranjeet Deshmukh, along with two other individuals. This decisive legal move comes after the accused repeatedly failed to appear in court for a cheque dishonour case that has been pending.
Background of the Cheque Dishonour Complaint
The case originated from a complaint filed by Atul Devgade through his counsel, Ibrahim Bakhsh. According to the legal documents, directors of Percept Web Solution Limited purchased computer, internet, and web-related materials from Devgade. The accused named in the complaint include:
- Ranjeet Deshmukh
- Pallavi Parekh
- Amit Dhupe
These individuals are identified as directors of the company involved in the transaction.
Details of the Alleged Financial Dispute
For the purchases made, the company allegedly issued five cheques totalling approximately Rs 11.50 lakh to Devgade. However, none of these cheques were honoured by the bank, leading to a significant financial dispute. Despite repeated follow-ups and the issuance of a legal notice, no response or resolution was provided by the accused. This lack of action ultimately compelled Devgade to approach the court for legal recourse.
Court Proceedings and Issuance of the Warrant
Although the accused had previously secured bail in this matter, their physical presence before the court was mandated as part of the pre-trial procedure. The court meticulously noted that the accused consistently remained absent during these crucial hearings, demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance.
Taking serious note of this repeated non-appearance, the presiding judge ordered the issuance of a non-bailable warrant against Deshmukh and the other two accused. This legal instrument underscores the court's intolerance for disregard of judicial processes.
Future Hearings and Potential Consequences
The next hearing in this case is scheduled for March 25. The court has explicitly observed that failure to comply with its orders could invite stricter action against the accused, potentially escalating the legal consequences.
However, the court also provided a pathway for resolution. If the accused appear before the court or are represented through counsel and complete the required procedural steps, the warrant may be cancelled. This cancellation would be contingent upon the payment of a specified fine, offering a chance for the accused to rectify their non-compliance.
This development highlights the judiciary's firm stance on ensuring adherence to legal protocols, especially in cases involving financial disputes and public figures. The issuance of a non-bailable warrant against a former minister marks a significant escalation in this ongoing legal battle, drawing attention to the importance of accountability in judicial proceedings.
