Delhi High Court Questions Police Inaction on Arrest of Impersonator

The Delhi High Court recently denied anticipatory bail to Manoj Kumar Jha, accused of masquerading as a judge of the Patna High Court and a civil servant to illicitly gather sensitive information from senior officials. Justice Girish Kathpalia expressed astonishment over the fact that despite nearly a dozen FIRs filed against Jha and the repeated rejection of his anticipatory bail applications, including by the Supreme Court, Delhi Police has yet to arrest him.

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Judicial Concerns Raised

The court voiced concerns that the lack of action conveys an impression of potential interference or favoritism, hinting that there might be more to the situation than is publicly visible. Justice Kathpalia ordered that a copy of the court’s decision be sent to the relevant Deputy Commissioner of Police through the learned Senior Standing Counsel for necessary action and information.

Case Background and Legal Arguments

The High Court was examining Jha’s anticipatory bail plea related to a case filed in 2024 at the Parliament Street police station in Delhi. During the proceedings, Jha’s counsel argued that his continued freedom despite multiple bail denials indicates that his custody might not be necessary. However, the prosecution, representing the Delhi Police, echoed the court’s dismay over their inaction, even after the Supreme Court’s rejection of Jha’s anticipatory bail.

High Court’s Decision

After evaluating the case, the High Court denied Jha’s anticipatory bail request. Justice Kathpalia, while delivering the verdict, cited the seriousness of the allegations and Jha’s history as a habitual offender. The court emphasized adherence to judicial discipline, noting that since the Supreme Court also denied bail, no new circumstances justify altering this decision. “Considering the above circumstances, I do not find it a fit case to grant anticipatory bail,” Justice Kathpalia remarked.

In this case, Advocate Aditya Kapoor represented Manoj Kumar Jha, while Additional Public Prosecutor Amit Ahlawat appeared on behalf of the Delhi Police.