Kerala High Court Directs Crime Branch To Not Take Coercive Steps Against K. Sudhakaran In Monson Mavunkal Cheating Case Till June 21

The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the Crime Branch to not take any coercive steps against MP and KPCC President, K. Sudhakaran, in respect of his alleged involvement in the cheating case involving the controversial antique dealer Monson Mavunkal, until the next posting date, 21st June.

A single bench of Justice Ziyad Rahman passed the order while considering an anticipatory bail plea moved by Sudhakaran. The Court noted the submission of the DGP that the date fixed for appearance of the petitioner before the investigating officer is 23rd June. The DGP also sought time to get instructions.

“In the light of the submission made by the Learned DGP, this Court expects that no coercive steps shall be initiated against the petitioner till the next posting date” the Court stated.

The cheating case against Mavunkal was registered on September 23, 2021, on the complaint of certain persons alleging cheating of Rs. 10 Crores on the false promise to return the amount. It was also alleged that the accused had deceived the complainants by showing them false statements on his account.

The Crime Branch, on June 10, 2023, issued a notice to Sudhakaran stating that they had received certain 'credible information' and had 'reasonable suspicion' regarding his involvement in the said crime. Sudhakaran was thereby requested to appear before the Deputy Superintendent of Police (2nd respondent) on June 14, 2023. However, the petitioner avers that he had certain pre-arranged priorities and consultations due to which he was unable to do so. He claims he had informed the authority of the same vide a letter dated June 13, 2023, and sought another date to appear. Accordingly, he has been instructed to appear on June 23, 2023.

The petitioner in his plea has stated that there is no allegation of his complicity in the FIR. He avers that he had not committed any forgery, nor had he aided anyone to commit the same. Additionally, he also submits that he had not fraudulently or dishonestly induced anyone to deliver any property with an intention to cause damage.

Sudhakaran has also stated in his plea that the notice has been issued to him after a lapse of 19 months after the registration of the crime, and that it prima facie appears that the notice is for 'extraneous reasons and political compulsions'.

Case Title: K. Sudhakaran v. State of Kerala & Anr.