Supreme Court directs Home Ministry to investigate how the accused escaped without a passport
An NRI, found guilty of contempt by the Supreme Court and barred from leaving India, has fled to the United States despite his passport being in court custody. The apex court has now ordered the Home Ministry to investigate how he managed to escape and identify those who assisted him, reported timesnownews.com.
Man Defies Court Orders, Leaves India Without Passport
Manish Chhokar was facing contempt charges for failing to hand over the custody of his 10-year-old son to his estranged wife as per a settlement in their divorce case. On January 29, the Supreme Court expressed shock at his escape, stating, “We are amazed as to how the alleged contemnor could leave for the USA or any other country without a passport, as his passport is in the custody of this court.” The court has now issued a non-bailable warrant against him.
The Supreme Court has also ruled that any financial transactions involving his properties in India will remain subject to court orders
The bench has sought the assistance of Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj to investigate the circumstances under which Chhokar was allowed to leave the country.
The Home Ministry has been directed to identify officials or individuals who facilitated his escape and report their findings to the court by February 19.
Legal Battle Over Child Custody Led to Contempt Proceedings
Chhokar and his wife married in 2006 and moved to the US, where they had a child. Following their divorce in 2017, a legal battle ensued in India over the child’s custody. A settlement was reached in 2019, requiring him to hand over custody, which he failed to do, leading to contempt proceedings. Despite multiple court summons, he evaded appearances and ultimately fled the country.
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