In a significant legal development, Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with a high-profile Rs 200 crore extortion case, has approached a Delhi court with a settlement proposal. The accused has sought the court's permission to pay a staggering sum of Rs 217 crore to the complainant, Aditi Singh.
Details of the Court Plea
Chandrasekhar's legal application, filed before the Delhi court, formally requests authorization for both parties to explore a potential settlement. This settlement arises from the First Information Report (FIR) originally registered by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police at Lodhi Colony.
The plea makes a crucial clarification, stating that the substantial monetary offer is made on a "without prejudice" basis. This legal terminology indicates that the offer is intended to facilitate a resolution without Chandrasekhar conceding any legal ground or liability. The document explicitly mentions that the proposal "does not constitute an admission of guilt" on the part of the accused.
Next Steps and Court Proceedings
In his submission, Sukesh Chandrasekhar has urged the presiding judge to issue a formal notice to the complainant, Aditi Singh. He has further requested the court to officially record that his settlement proposal is genuine and is entirely contingent upon receiving her consent. The matter is now scheduled to be heard by the court for consideration on January 3.
Implications of the Settlement Move
This move to propose a financial settlement marks a pivotal turn in the long-running legal saga. While the offer of Rs 217 crore exceeds the alleged extortion amount cited in the case, its acceptance by the complainant and approval by the court remain uncertain. Legal experts note that such settlements in criminal matters, especially those involving serious charges like extortion, require careful judicial scrutiny to ensure they are not coercive and are in the interest of justice. The court's decision on January 3 will determine whether this proposed settlement can proceed to the next stage.
