Sanjay Bhandari Challenges ED’s Bid to Label Him Fugitive, Cites Legal U.K. Stay

Quick Summary

• Arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari opposed the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) plea in a Delhi court to declare him a “fugitive” in connection with a black money case.
• Bhandari claims his stay in the U.K. is legal as the London High Court denied his extradition to India, citing risks of extortion and violence in Indian prisons.
• The London HC order affected recent cases,including:

– India’s failed attempt to extradite another accused linked to a rice scam.
– Mehul Choksi’s opposition to extradition for PNB fraud charges by citing similar concerns.

• ED claims Bhandari’s alleged offense value exceeds ₹100 crore under the Fugitive Offenders Act; however, his lawyer disputes this based on prior income tax department submissions showing it was less than ₹100 crore.
• The U.K. high Court discharged Bhandari from an earlier extradition order issued by Westminster Magistrates’ Court and upheld on human rights grounds.
• Delhi court sought ED’s rebuttal arguments by May 3.

Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Indian Opinion Analysis

The case highlights india’s ongoing challenges with international economic offender prosecutions amid concerns over its detention standards and judicial framework cited by foreign courts.While sanjay Bhandari argues for legality of his stay,citing protection afforded by U.K.’s human rights considerations, these judgments may have broader implications for India’s ability to pursue economic offenders abroad-perhaps encouraging others to adopt similar defenses.

Moreover, disputed valuations surrounding alleged offences under laws like the Fugitive Offenders Act could expose gaps or inconsistencies in enforcement processes that impact such high-profile cases.As courts purposeful further evidence from both sides, it underscores the need for strengthened institutional mechanisms that align domestic prosecution frameworks with international norms.

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