Center Suggests Mandoli Jail For Sukesh Chandrashekhar, SC To Hear Objections On June 30

The Supreme Court today adjourned to June 30, the plea by Sukesh Chandrashekhar seeking his transfer out of Tihar jail where he is presently lodged, citing threats to his life.

The Court gave time to Chandrashekhar to file objection to the suggestion by Center of Mandoli Prison as the alternative prison to transfer him out of Tihar Jail.

The Bench comprising of Justice C T Ravikumar and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia pulled up Additional Solicitor General S. V. Raju appearing for the Center, stating that, "Last time we made an observation and said that the earlier order should be complied with and had asked for the names of places where transfer can be made to, but there is no whisper of it. Even now you have not furnished it."

The ASG submitted that the prison that has been zeroed in on by the Union was Mandoli prison which was being guarded by paramilitary forces and that Tamil Nadu guards have been posted in that jail.

The Bench then passed an order recording the submission of the ASG suggesting Mandoli prison for the transfer of Sukesh Chandrashekhar.

Senior Advocate R. Basant appearing for Sukesh Chandrashekhar submitted that, "this is not a petition for bail or quashing of proceeding. It is to transfer me to 'any other jail'." He also submitted that "I am involved in big transaction. I am being extorted for money and if I don't pay, my wife and I will be assaulted". It was also added by the Senior Counsel that he would file an objection to the suggestion of the Additional Solicitor General.

Sukesh Chandrashekhar had moved the Supreme Court seeking to be transferred from Tihar Jail to some other prison on the ground that he is being harassed and tortured by the prison authorities and there is a threat to his life if he stays lodged in that prison.

Earlier, the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had submitted that Sukesh had called many dignitaries and duped them into sending him money by impersonating judicial officers. Mehta had also apprised the Court that action has been taken against some officers for permitting some visitors and that guards from the State of Tamil Nadu have been deployed.