Delhi Court Exempts Former Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh From Personal Appearance In A Corruption Case [Read Order]

Special CBI Judge Pulastya Pramachala at Rouse Avenue Court has exempted former Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh from making personal appearance in a corruption case against him.

The court has also exempted 3 other accused persons from personal appearance, which includes Virbhadra Singh's wife, Pratibha Singh.

In his exemption application, Singh had submitted that he was unable to attend the proceedings as he's on bed rest. He had also enclosed medical documents supporting his claim.

It was also mentioned in the application that he has no objection to the continuance of proceedings in his absence and he will not dispute his identity.

Pratibha Singh also cited her husband's bed rest to seek exemption from personal appearance. She submitted that she needs to attend her husband.

In April 2017, CBI had filed the charge-sheet against former Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh, his wife Pratibha Singh, and others, in a case alleging corruption and possession of disproportionate assets.

As per the agency, Singh had acquired disproportionate assets amounting to ₹ 10 crore between 2009 and 2011, when he's serving as the Union Minister for Steel in the UPA regime.

The charge-sheet also alleges criminal misconduct and amassing of disproportionate assets in accused's own name, and, in the names of his wife and children.

On the contention raised by CBI, the Supreme Court had decided to transfer the case to New Delhi.

Subsequently, the Delhi High Court had rejected Singh's plea seeking quashing of the FIR against him and his wife in the aforementioned corruption case.  

Click here to download the Order