Sridhar Patra v. Lokpal Of India

$~69 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + W.P.(C) 4505/2025 & CM APPL. 20838/2025, CM APPL. 20839/2025, CM APPL. 20840/2025 SRIDHAR PATRA .....Petitioner Through:

Mr Venkita Subramoniam TR, Mr Rahat Bansal, Mr Likhi Chand Bhonsle, Advocates versus LOKPAL OF INDIA .....Respondent Through:

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SUBRAMONIUM PRASAD HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HARISH VAIDYANATHAN SHANKAR

O R D E R

% 08.04.2025 1.

The Petitioner has approached this Court under Article 226/227 of the Constitution of India for setting aside the Order dated 11.02.2025 passed by the Respondent/Lokpal making observations on the merits of the matter and directing the CBI to re-investigate the matter in a particular manner. 2.

Learned Counsel for the Petitioner states that the observations made in the impugned order virtually convicts the Petitioner leaving no other alternative to the CBI but to give a report against the Petitioner. 3.

It is made clear that the observations made in the impugned order must be read only in the context as to the necessity of a further/deeper probe by the CBI in the facts of this case. These observations can never be meant to influence the CBI or directing the CBI to investigate in a particular The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/04/2025 at 12:53:04

manner keeping in mind the spirit of Section 25 of the Lokpal and Lokayaukta Act, 2013 and the proviso thereto. 4.

The CBI is requested to conduct an impartial investigation without being influenced by any observations made in the impugned order. 5.

Learned Counsel for the Petitioner seeks permission to withdraw the present petition with liberty to take such steps as available to him in accordance with law.

6.

Permission and liberty, as prayed for, is granted. 7.

It is needless to state that in case the investigation and the report goes against the Petitioner, it is always open for the Petitioner to raise all contentions available to him under law, including those raised in the present writ petition, at an appropriate stage.

8.

With these observations, the petition is disposed of as withdrawn along with pending application(s), if any.

SUBRAMONIUM PRASAD, J HARISH VAIDYANATHAN SHANKAR, J APRIL 08, 2025 hsk The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/04/2025 at 12:53:04