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The Supreme Court today directed suspension of the officers of Tihar Jail who were found extending undue help to former Unitech promoters.
On a previous occasion the court had directed that the promoters be shifted  from Tihar and further ordered a probe by Delhi Police

The Supreme Court bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah today presided over what can be deemed a “heated exchange” between the bench and SCBA president and Senior Advocate Vikas Singh in the Unitech matter.

Singh commenced his arguments asking the court as to how long an “ex-parte,” hearing will go on, referring to the VC hearing of the court. He further stated that his clients were the second largest real estate developer in the country who have built around 5 crore sq.ft area and over 1 lakh units.

At this point Justice Chandrachud intervened and said that this was not an “ex-parte,” hearing and Singh is not entitled to peruse the court diary.
To this Singh said “I don’t want your lordships to repent later because you did not take timely action . I am sure this court has nothing against the Chandras (the promoters of Unitech).” He further added that his clients should have been given the Grant Thornton report in order to establish that there was no diversion of funds pointing out that the trial found that there was no diversion of funds.

Singh then said “How many companies will this court run? You are running Amrapali, Unitech and Supertech. You have arrested my father, wife and children. At least let me defend the Grant Thornton report!”

A visibly upset Justice Chandrachud said “Before you make allegation on this court, what is this language? What do you mean repent later on?” When Singh continued making his submissions, Justice Chadrachud removed his mask and in an assertive tone said “LISTEN TO ME LISTEN TO ME. Is this the way you address the court?”

Justice Shah intervened at this point and told Singh not to pitch his voice and say such things against the court. Justice Chandrachud also remarked that it appears that Singh was not briefed properly by his client.

Singh then continued presenting his case asking the court to ask Grant Thornton if there was any interrogation of the promoters of Unitech before a report was filed. He said “Please hear me and if at all it will happen and if it happens after if it happens after doomsday.”Justice Shah expressed his displeasure over the way Singh made his arguments to which Singh replied that his clients cannot have a video conference with him.

The Chandras are in the custody on money laundering charges involving their company Unitech. They were shifted from Tihar Jail in Delhi to Taloja Jail in Mumbai after a report by Enforcement Directorate revealed that they had been conducting illegal activities from inside the jail.

The Delhi Police Commissioner submitted a report today owing to which the bench ordered that the officials of Tihar jail were found to have prima facie connived with the promoters of Unitech. The bench was also informed that criminal cases have been registered against these officials under the prevention of corruption act.

Case title: Bhupinder Singh Vs Unitech Ltd