Arrest warrant against Chadha cancelled

The judge issued the order despite CBI’s opposition to withdrawal of the NBW as there was no guarantee that Chadha would abide by his undertaking. Bharihoke, however, made it clear that it was the last chance to the accused. “I feel at least one more chance can be given to Win Chadha. In my view issuance of NBW or summons is not relevant.” It was more important to get an assurance for his attendance in the court which had been given, the judge said in his order.

Chadha’s counsel said her client would depose in the court on March 21 “unless prevented by reasons beyond control.” When asked to clarify, she said Chadha could not come if prevented or arrested by UAE authorities.

She, however, assured that refusal of the UAE authorities to transfer the UAE visa on Chadha’s Belize passport to the Indian visa would not be a reason for his possible failure to come to India.

Earlier, the court had issued NBW against Chadha on December 14. However, these were cancelled on January 20 after Chadha represented before the court through his counsel that he was willing to come to India and appear before the court but could not as his passport had been impounded by the UAE authorities last year following a request by India.

Counsel said that on January 6, Chadha applied for a passport to the Indian consulate in Dubai and on January 12, he received a letter from the consulate informing him that he had been issued a passport with one-year validity.

Counsel said Chadha’s earlier passport issued by Belize and with a Dubai resident visa stamped on it had been impounded by the UAE authorities and he wanted the visa to be transferred to his Indian passport as he wanted to return to Dubai.