MP High Court Seeks Response From AG's Office Over Inaccurate Information Regarding Whereabouts Of Accused In Human Trafficking Case
Siddhi Nigam
4 Sep 2024 11:33 AM GMT
The Madhya Pradesh High Court at Jabalpur presided over by Justice Sanjay Dwivedi, raised concerns regarding the accuracy of information provided by the Office of the Advocate General in the case involving Dr. Ajai Lall, a Christian Missionary.
The case revolves around allegations of human trafficking and other serious offences, including improper adoption of children through Lall's Aadharshila organization in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh.
The Office of the Advocate General had informed the court that Dr. Ajai Lall, in spite of an interim order restraining him from leaving the country, without the court's permission, absconded and fled the country.
However, Senior Counsels Shri V.K. Tankha and Shri Shashank Shekhar, representing Dr.Lall, appeared in court along with Dr. Lall. This disproved the information provided by the Advocate General's Office and that it was erroneous.
The Court observed that, “Considering the submissions and taking note of the presence of the petitioner in the Court in person along with his passport, I discharge his presence and taking note of the affidavit submitted by the petitioner, this Court finds no action is required to be taken on the information conveyed by the Office of Advocate General as the same is incorrect.”
The court then sought to detect the source of the misinformation. Mr. Ruprah, Additional Advocate General, defended the Office's actions, stating that the information was believed to be authentic and was conveyed to the court out of an obligation.
Justice Sanjay Dwivedi thus directed the Office of Advocate General to file an affidavit detailing the source of the incorrect information.
He stated, “Further, considering the submissions and on perusal of the affidavit, Shri Ruprah, Additional Advocate General, is directed to seek information from the source who has conveyed this information as to what was the foundation of such information and who has conveyed this information to the Office of Advocate General so that an appropriate action may be taken against the concerned officer.”
The High Court's earlier order protected Dr. Lall from coercive action which had to remain in effect until the next hearing.
Dr. Ajai Lall had charges against him for human trafficking and the use of fraudulent documents for the adoption and alleged conversion of children.
The FIR registered by the Damoh police intensified the scrutiny of his activities, not only as a hospital operator but also as a director of a nursing college and a children's home under the Aadharshila organization.
Case title: DR. AJAI LALL VS. THE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND OTHERS
Case No: W.P. No. 23048/2024
