sc-denies-early-bail-plea-for-conman-sukesh-s-wife

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition filed by Leena Paulose, the wife of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, challenging a Delhi High Court order.

 

The High Court had adjourned her bail appeal in the Rs 200-crore extortion case. A vacation bench of Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and Augustine George Masih clarified that accelerated proceedings in the case could not be sought.

 

In its order passed on June 14, the bench stated, "Special Leave Petition is dismissed. Pending applications shall also stand dismissed." Paulose had filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) against the Delhi High Court’s May 20 order, which had adjourned her bail plea for July. The bench noted that the plea was filed before the High Court on May 14, and a notice was issued on May 20.

 

During the hearing, the top court observed, “You have been in prison for two years and eight months, as soon as you come to the court you require an order.” When the counsel representing Paulose requested expedited proceedings, the bench responded, “Not for us to arrange the board of the High Court.”

 

According to the prosecution, Chandrashekhar and his wife, Leena Paulose, were allegedly involved in running an organised crime syndicate with their associates since 2013.

The syndicate’s motive was pecuniary gain through cheating and extortion. Both Chandrasekhar and Paulose were arrested by the Delhi Police in September 2021 for their alleged role in the duping case and are currently in judicial custody.

 

The case against them involves allegations of running a sophisticated operation that defrauded numerous individuals and entities. The couple is accused of masterminding a series of high-profile scams that have attracted significant media attention and legal scrutiny.

 

Leena Paulose's legal team had hoped that the Supreme Court would intervene and expedite her bail hearing. However, the dismissal of her petition means that she will have to wait for the High Court to hear her bail plea as scheduled in July. The case continues to unfold, with both Chandrasekhar and Paulose maintaining their innocence and fighting the charges against them.

 

The Rs 200-crore extortion case has highlighted the challenges and complexities of tackling organised crime in India. The authorities are under pressure to ensure that justice is served, and that those responsible for such large-scale frauds are held accountable.

 

The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the judiciary's stance on ensuring that legal processes are followed without undue haste, even in high-profile cases.