SC stays HC order allowing Chandraswami to go abroad

Seeking an urgent direction from the court restraining the self-claimed spiritual guru Chandrswami alias Nemi Chand Jain from going to the UK, UAE and Mauritius, the ASG submitted that as per ED’s assessment, he owes a penalty to the tune of over eight crore to the ex-chequer for violation of foreign exchange regulations.

He is facing trial in some dozen cases, mostly related to violation of FERA provisions, the ED counsel informed the Bench, also comprising Justice G S Singhvi and Justice Aftab Alam. The counsel also pointed out how the accused had taken over 27 adjournments in each of these cases leading to delay in the trial.

Assuring the Bench that trial would be completed in a time-bound manner in two months, the ASG further informed how it is not a “compulsive need” to travel. While seeking court’s permission, Chandraswami had claimed he has to deliver a religious discourse and perform a Ganesh Yagna abroad on the opening ceremony of a company by one of his disciple.

Pleading that the High Court order should not be suspended, Chandraswami’s counsel, P N Puri contended that in any case the court has permitted him to undertake his sojourn abroad after raising the security amount to Rs 1 million per case. However, unfazed by the reasoning, the Bench issued notice to him and posted the matter for further hearing to March 10.