HC seeks Delhi Police reply on Sukesh Chandrashekhar MCOCA plea

The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notice to the Delhi Police on alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar's plea challenging a trial court order to frame charges against him under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in a Rs 200 crore extortion case. Justice Madhu Jain sought a response and posted the matter for further hearing on September 23.

Chandrashekhar argued the trial court mechanically accepted the prosecution's case without independently examining whether MCOCA ingredients were met. He said the court acted as a 'post office' and ignored contradictions between the Delhi Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) versions. He also questioned the validity of statutory approvals and the simultaneous framing of charges under the IPC and IT Act.

The case involves multiple accused. Earlier, the High Court granted bail to advocate B. Mohanraj but denied bail to Chandrashekhar's wife Leena Maria Paul. Both have secured bail in the parallel money laundering case. Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez pleaded not guilty last month to money laundering charges linked to Chandrashekhar.