Ranjit Bajaj case: Justice Gupta withdraws from contempt petition

Seemingly displeased over the averment,the division bench comprising Justice Gupta and Justice Jaswant Singh had asked the reason. Narula had responded that as per his information Justice Hemant Gupta’s son was also present on the spot and the case shall be transferred from the division bench to some other bench. Surprised at the contention,reacting sharply,Justice Hemant Gupta had questioned the rationale behind transferring the petition on the ground raised by Narula. The Bench had reserved its judgment on April 19.

It may be mentioned here that no notices were issued on the contempt petition filed by Narula which had already come up for hearing for four times. The demand and the ground for transfer was made for the first time on April 19.

While Narula,on March 17,had maintained that the statements given by Bajaj’s parents had maligned the image of judiciary,Justice Hemant Gupta had observed,“There are no allegations against the judiciary. If family of a judge is in personal litigation and opposite party raises allegations against an individual Judge; which judgment says it amounts to contempt ? We are living in a free country. Everybody has the freedom of speech and expression.”

The bench had also remarked that “judiciary is not a holy cow”.

Narula had filed the petition demanding contempt proceedings against the duo and two English daily newspapers for publishing the allegations leveled against some judges by the parents and two female friends,Henna Singh and Pahul,of Ranjit Bajaj in a press conference held in March. Bajaj is accused of assaulting and attempting to murder Gurmohan Singh Bedi,son of a sitting High Court Judge.

Compromise reached,quash FIR,demands Ranjit

Justice S S Saron today issued notices to the Haryana Police on a petition filed by Ranjit Bajaj wherein he has demanded quashing of the FIR registered against him in connection with the brawl. The ground given by Ranjit is that two parties have entered into a compromise and do not intend to pursue the matter. The HC has issued notices to Haryana government asking it to explain why the FIR pending against Bajaj shall not be quashed.