Mumbai: High Court grants interim protection from arrest to Hasan Mushrif till April 27

The High Court granted interim relief to NCP leader Hasan Mushrif from arrest till Thursday, April 27, in connection with allegations of financial misappropriation. Hasan Mushrif had approached the High Court on Wednesday to avoid arrest after the special court refused to grant him pre-arrest bail. He also demanded an immediate hearing on the plea for pre-arrest bail. Accepting his demand, the court held an urgent hearing on Mushrif's plea on Thursday.

Mushrif's petition came up for hearing on Thursday before a single bench of Justice Anuja Prabhudesai. At that time, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought time from the court to file a reply to Mushrif's petition. The court also accepted their demand and adjourned the hearing of the case for two weeks. Also, the interim relief granted to Mushrif from arrest was also maintained until then.

A special court on Tuesday gave three days to Mushrif to challenge the decision to reject the pre-arrest bail. Also, the protection provided till then from arrest was also maintained. Against this backdrop, Mushrif approached the High Court on Wednesday and demanded an urgent hearing on the petition.

Meanwhile, the investigating agency has tangible evidence of financial misappropriation. Also, the special court had denied relief to Mushrif by observing that it would not be appropriate to interfere in the case while the investigation is underway. In fact, against the action initiated by the ED, Mushrif approached the High Court and sought quashing of the complaint registered by the ED. At that time, the court had instructed Mushrif to apply for pre-arrest bail in a special court and the special court was ordered to hear this application immediately.

What is the charge?

It is alleged that Mushrif took INR 10,000 from farmers and diverted their money to two companies including Sir Senapati Santaji Ghorpade Sugar Factory in which sons Navi, Abid and Sajid are directors or shareholders by promising to give them shareholder certificates.

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