Delhi High Court Takes Action Against Judiciary Critic
In a significant move, the Delhi High Court has mandated the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to enlist Interpol’s assistance by issuing a Red Corner Notice for locating Adeeshwar Singhal, who stands accused of making serious allegations against the Indian judiciary. The order was passed by a Division Bench comprising Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja, in the context of ongoing suo motu contempt of court proceedings initiated against Singhal.
Justice Chawla stated during the hearing, “We direct the Central Bureau of Investigation to issue a Red Corner Notice through INTERPOL against the respondent (Singhal) for securing his presence in compliance with our orders, including the non-bailable warrants (NBWs).” The Court took this step after Singhal joined the court proceedings via video conference on September 18, exhibiting disruptive behavior.
Addressing Singhal directly, Justice Chawla warned, “We will ensure that you come to court, don’t think we will leave you like this. You are making a mockery of the proceedings and making allegations. Either you come here or we will get you here.”
Efforts to Locate Adeeshwar Singhal
The Court was informed by Standing Counsel Amit Tiwari that Singhal had traveled from India to Italy in 2024 and has since not returned. Further complicating the matter, Singhal’s Indian passport has expired, and his current location remains unknown.
A Delhi Police inspector revealed that the IP address used by Singhal during a previous court hearing in April was traced to California, USA. Consequently, the Court directed the Union Ministry of External Affairs to alert the appropriate authorities in the United States regarding the issued NBWs, the expired passport, and the IP address details.
The Court observed, “He will now not use that passport. Wherever he is, he is using some other identity.” Additionally, the Cyber Cell of the Delhi Police has been instructed to investigate the IP address from which Singhal joined the proceedings, and the Court’s Registry has been tasked with providing these details.
Next Steps and Legal Representation
The Court has reiterated its directive for Singhal to appear in person at the next hearing scheduled for December 9. Amicus Curiae Amit George, along with advocates Amal and Muskan Shalya, assisted the court in these proceedings.
On behalf of the Union of India, Central Government Standing Counsel Amit Tiwari and advocates Ayushi Srivastava, Arpan Narwal, Kushagra Malik, and Ujjwal Tyagi appeared. Additional Public Prosecutor Aman Usman, accompanied by advocate Manvendra Yadav, represented the Delhi Police.
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