The Delhi High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to issue a Red Corner Notice through Interpol to trace an individual called Adeeshwar Singhal who is accused of making scandalous allegations against the judiciary [Court On Its Own Motion Vs Adeeshwar Singhal].
The Division Bench of Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja passed the order to secure Singhal’s physical presence in court in suo motu contempt of court proceedings initiated against him.
“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 of our orders, including the non-bailable warrants (NBWs),” the Court directed.
On September 18, Singhal joined the Court proceedings through video conference and engaged in disruptive conduct.
"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," Justice Chawla warned.
Standing Counsel Amit Tiwari informed the Court that Singhal had traveled from India to Italy in 2024 and has not returned since then.
The Court was also informed that Singhal’s Indian passport has expired and his whereabouts are not known.
“A Look Out Circular has also been issued but that might by itself not be sufficient to secure the presence inspite of the issuance of NBW,” the Court noted.
A Delhi Police inspector told the Court that the IP address from which Singhal had joined the proceedings during a previous hearing in April was found to be in California at the United States of America.
In view of this, the Court directed the Union Ministry of External Affairs to inform the concerned authorities in United States of America about the NBWs issued against Singhal, the expiry of his Indian Passport and also his IP Address.
“He will now not use that passport. Wherever he is he is using some other identity,” the Court added.
The Court also directed the Cyber Cell of the Delhi Police make inquiries regarding the IP address from which Singhal had joined the proceedings. The Court’s Registry was also directed to furnish the details of the IP address.
The Court directed Singhal to appear in person on the next date of hearing.
"We again direct the respondent to appear in person before this Court on the next date of hearing," it said.
The next date of the hearing is December 9.
Amicus Curiae Amit George, with advocates Amal and Muskan Shalya assisted the court.
Central Government Standing Counsel Amit Tiwari, and advocates Ayushi Srivastava, Arpan Narwal, Kushagra Malik, Ujjwal Tyagi appeared for the Union of India.
Additional Public Prosecutor Aman Usman with advocate Manvendra Yadav appeared for the Delhi Police.
[Read Order]