Prosecution concludes arguments in 2017 Haryana Judges paper leak case

New Delhi [India], July 16 (ANI): The prosecution concluded its arguments in the 2017 Haryana Judges’ paper leak case before the Special Judge, Cum Principal District and Sessions Judge, Anju Bajaj Chandna, who fast tracked the proceedings on the directions of Delhi High Court on a day-to-day basis.

The prosecution advanced arguments on various dates and the prosecution have finally concluded its arguments on Tuesday.

Charanjit Singh Bakhshi, Special Public Prosecution assisted by advocate Amit Sahni advanced arguments on behalf of prosecution. Bakhshi, SPP submitted that this is an open and shut case wherein the material adduced by the prosecution clearly establishes that HCS (Judicial) Paper – 2017 was leaked by the then Registrar (recruitment) Balwinder Kumar Sharma.

It was also argued that the chain of events against the accused persons is conclusive, which leaves is no doubt for which the accused can claim any relief. The oral, electronic, documentary and scientific evidence establishes that the then Registrar had handed over the question paper of this prestigious examination to his close friend namely Sunita, who then shared the same for illegal gratification with several prospective candidates.

SPP Charanjit Singh Bakhshi also submitted that the act of the accused persons deserve no leniency as their ghastly acts has shaken the public conscious, trust and confidence in an institution of Judiciary and the same has tarnished the image of Punjab and Haryana High Court as well.

Bakhshi also submitted that even the apex court has taken a serious view on such a crime, viz., the paper leak case and invited the attention of the Special Judge cum Principal and District Judge regarding the NEET paper leak case, which has traumatised the confidence of the public at large in such crucial exams.

While accused Balwinder Kumar Sharma, the then Registrar (Recruitment) in his statement of accused (under Section 313 CrPC) has alleged that the examination papers were in the possession of the High Court Committee headed by justice Ajay Kumar Mittal.

He also alleged that the final question papers were in the possession of justice Ajay Kumar Mittal and upon his instructions, a fake and false inquiry was ordered to fix him and he claimed innocence.

Now matter is listed for arguments of defence and next date of hearing is 19th and 20th July.

Recently, the Delhi High Court has granted three months extension to conclude the trial of judges paper leak case while directing its day-to-day hearing.

The bench of justice DK Sharma in an order passed stated that the communication of the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Rouse Avenue indicates that after the last order, the case has moved ahead. This court considers that some more time may be granted in view of the communication of learned Principal District and Sessions Judge. However, this court would appreciate if Principal District and Sessions Judge posts the matter on day-to-day basis.

Adjournment may be granted if for some unavoidable reasons. Hence, a further three months time is granted excluding the summer vacations. Learned trial court is directed to dispose of the matter within the above said time frame.

The peculiar facts of the present case are that the FIR in question was ordered to be registered by the High Court of Punjab and Haryana in an order dated 15.09.2017 on a plea in filed by a candidate Suman.

Matter was transferred to Delhi by Supreme Court in 2021 while allowed the transfer petition filed by accused Dr Balwinder Kumar Sharma.

According to the prosecution, Chandigarh Police lodged FIR in pursuant to directions passed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the matter involves the leakage of the Haryana Civil Services (Judicial Branch) Preliminary Examination, 2017.

There are a total of nine accused in the matter, including registrar recruitment, who allegedly leaked the paper. The accused were either candidates or relatives of candidates with whom the paper was shared.