The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to grant any interim protection from arrest to businessman Navneet Kalra in connection with the case relating to the alleged hoarding of oxygen concentrators in a South Delhi restaurant.
A single-judge bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad refused to grant any interim relief to Kalra and adjourned the matter for further hearing on 18 May. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Kalra, pressed for granting interim protection to his client but could not convince the court.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, representing the Delhi Police, asked why Kalra was given so much preference as the matter was heard on Thursday at 7 pm, despite the Eid holiday. He questioned what is so special about his anticipatory bail. Singhvi said it should be appreciated that the matter was being heard beyond court hours, instead of such criticism.
He also apprised the High Court that Delhi Police officials are visiting the houses of Kalra’s relatives.
ASG Raju sought time to argue on the matter till the coming Tuesday. Thereafter, the matter was adjourned for 18 May.
The Delhi Police has urged the Delhi High Court to dismiss Kalra’s anticipatory bail plea.
ASG SV Raju has submitted that releasing the accused on an anticipatory bail plea will send a wrong message to people engaged in hoarding and urged the HC to consider societal interest while deciding on bail for Kalra.
On Thursday morning, a trial court had dismissed Karla’s anticipatory bail plea, after which Kalra moved the High Court.
The Delhi Police had busted a black marketing racket during a raid and recovered 105 concentrators from two upscale restaurants in the Khan Market area, both owned by Kalra. The police have registered a case under various offences, charging with cheating, disobedience to order promulgated by a public servant, criminal conspiracy and violating provisions of Essential Commodities Act, 1955 followed by the seizing of the oxygen concentrators from the restaurants.