The Supreme Court on Monday refused a plea challenging the Bombay High Court’s decision to quash the FIR against 9 individuals accused of abetting the suicide of former Lok Sabha MP Mohan Delkar in 2021.
A bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran upheld the high court’s order dated September 8, 2022, which had set aside criminal proceedings against the accused, including Praful Khoda Patel, Administrator of the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu.
Background Of The Case
Mohan Delkar, a seven-time MP from Dadra and Nagar Haveli, was found dead in a Mumbai hotel in February 2021. His death triggered widespread political controversy after the recovery of a purported 15-page suicide note, in which he alleged harassment, humiliation, and intimidation at the hands of local officials and political figures.
Based on the note, Mumbai Police had registered an FIR against multiple persons, including senior bureaucrats and political leaders, under charges of abetment of suicide and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Plea By Delkar’s Son
Court was hearing a petition filed by Abhinav Delkar, son of the late MP, challenging the Bombay High Court order that quashed the FIR. He argued that the High Court had prematurely interfered in the matter despite serious allegations supported by documentary evidence.
The case was reserved for judgment on August 4, and the verdict was delivered on August 18, bringing closure to the legal battle in the apex court.
Court’s Decision
Upholding the Bombay High Court’s reasoning, the Supreme Court refused to revive the criminal proceedings. The bench noted that the High Court had carefully examined the material on record before concluding that the allegations did not warrant continuation of the case against the 9 accused.
With the top court’s ruling, the FIR against Praful Patel and others remains quashed, effectively ending prosecution against them in connection with the case.
Mohan Delkar’s death had cast a shadow over the politics of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, with his supporters alleging sustained political pressure that pushed him to the brink. While the family sought accountability, the Supreme Court’s decision now closes the chapter on the FIR, marking a setback for the late MP’s kin in their legal pursuit.
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