Rajasthan High Court Grants Withdrawal of Prosecution Against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Other MLAs
The State had argued that the public agitation led by the accused, including Om Birla, addressed various public issues such as the condition of roads, electricity, and health. The court noted that the agitation was in the public interest and for the benefit of the general public.
The Rajasthan High Court has granted leave for the withdrawal of prosecution against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and others, including Narendra Meghwal, Chandrakanta Meghwal, Bhawani Singh Rajawat, and Anil Jain. The decision came in response to a criminal miscellaneous petition filed by the State, with Justice Anil Kumar Upman presiding over the case.
The court observed that the accused respondents, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, were not motivated by personal interests but were raising reasonable demands for the public at large. Justice Upman considered the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, stating, "this Court deems it just and proper to grant leave for withdrawal of prosecution."
The State had argued that the public agitation led by the accused, including Om Birla, addressed various public issues such as the condition of roads, electricity, and health. The court noted that the agitation was in the public interest and for the benefit of the general public.
The chargesheet filed against 48 persons, including the accused respondents, alleged offenses under Sections 143 and 283 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 8(B) of the National Highway Act. The court found that the chargesheet lacked clarity regarding the specific roles played by the accused persons.
Considering the minutes of the meeting dated September 21, 2021, the court observed that the accused were raising demands in the interest of the public. It stated, "all citizens, including the respondents, are entitled to raise their reasonable demands and agitate peacefully."
The High Court concluded by granting leave to the State of Rajasthan to file an application for the withdrawal of prosecution before the trial court. The trial court will consider and decide the application in accordance with the law, and any observations made by the High Court will not prejudice the decision on the withdrawal of prosecution.
Case Title: State Of Rajasthan, Through Government Advocate Vs. Narendra Meghwal, MLA, Kota & Ors.