A Delhi court granted protection from arrest to SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh in a case of cheating, a source close to the development said.
Singh had approached Delhi’s Saket Court seeking anticipatory bail after non-bailable warrants were issued against him for not joining the investigation.
The sessions court has now protected Singh from arrest and at the same time, asked Singh to join the police investigation on March 11 at the concerned police station in Delhi, the source said.
The case is expected to be heard next on March 28.
In a statement issued, referring to the case, Singh has said, "It is our belief that the matter is civil in nature and the complaint to the police is entirely frivolous and mischievous."
Two non-bailable warrants were issued against Singh for failing to appear before the police for investigation in a case in which Singh is the prime accused. Singh, who is facing charges of cheating, allegedly failed to join the investigation for nearly four months.
Singh, however, claims that there is a "concerted campaign of misusing the media to defame Mr Ajay Singh in a matter that is still under preliminary investigation." The statement issued by Singh adds that the SpiceJet promoter has, thus far, cooperated in the probe.
It is claimed that Singh offered his assistance in the police probe through his representative or counsel and also submitted detailed responses on two occasions. Singh had expressed his willingness to personally appear before the investigating officers but was prevented on account of covid-related quarantine protocol, it is claimed.
The case dates back to 2021 when a Delhi-based businessman, Sanjiv Nanda, complained against Singh for allegedly defrauding him. Nanda claims that he and Singh entered into a share purchase agreement for the transfer of a total of 25 lakh fully paid-up shares of SpiceJet towards Nanda's family members. The transfer of shares, however, was not effectuated leading to Nanda approaching the police to file a complaint.
The court directed for First Information Reports (FIR) to be registered against Singh under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the investigation in the case was launched and remains underway.
Singh claims that he extended cooperation through his representative at every occasion he was summoned, while his non-appearance due to quarantine requirement was informed to the concerned official. "Mr. Singh has from the very beginning been extending full cooperation and expressed his willingness to join the investigation in person," the statement issued on his behalf says.
09/03/22 Shruti Mahajan/Moneycontrol
