Supreme Court Orders Training for Two Delhi Judges Over Flawed Bail in ₹6 Crore Cheating Case
Apex Court Quashes Bail, Orders Judicial Training and Inquiry Into Police Lapses
The Supreme Court has strongly reprimanded the manner in which bail was granted to a couple accused of duping a private company of over ₹6 crore, directing two Delhi judges to undergo special judicial training at the Delhi Judicial Academy for at least seven days. The Bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and SVN Bhatti found that both the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) and the Sessions Judge of Karkardooma Court failed to apply established legal principles when granting and upholding the bail.
The apex court also ordered a departmental inquiry into the investigating officer’s conduct due to serious procedural lapses noted during bail proceedings. The dispute arose after a company alleged that the accused received ₹1.9 crore for a land transfer but later refused to return the funds, even as the land was found to be sold and mortgaged. With accrued interest, dues reached over ₹6 crore, prompting a complaint and subsequent FIR.
Although the Delhi High Court previously criticized the accused’s conduct and dismissed their plea for anticipatory bail, the ACMM later granted regular bail, which was upheld by the Sessions Judge and not interfered with by the Delhi High Court. The Supreme Court disapproved of this mechanical approach, observed that factual misconduct had been ignored, quashed the bail orders, and directed the accused to surrender within two weeks. The directives emphasized accountability and judicial discipline, making clear they do not dilute principles of liberty.