US vice-consul hauled up for contempt

November 18: Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Usha Iyyer has directed Customs officials to initiate an inquiry into the `identity’ of the `vice-consul’ of the US consulate, Heath Brian, who failed to appear before the court during the hearing of a contempt notice slapped on him on Tuesday.The notice, issued on Tuesday, demanded to know why legal proceedings should not be initiated against Brian after he “arrogantly” replied that it was not the business of the court to know the reasons behind his seeking permission to meet an NRI accused, Bhupendra Kapadia. Kapadia has been accused of smuggling gold and diamonds.

“From the conduct and behaviour of the applicant, I really doubt whether he is attached to the consulate of United States and whether the letter-head produced by him is genuine. My doubt is further strengthened by his absence today,” said Iyyer. Quoting Article 56 of the Vienna Convention, Brian had filed an application seeking the court’s permission to meet Kapadia. The Customsauthorities will submit their report by November 25.