SANJEEB KUMAR SAHU Vs. STATE OF ODISHA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Standing Counsel for the State.

(2.) The petitioner has filed this application praying to transfer T.R. No. 43 of 2012 from the learned Judge, Special Court (Vigilance), Balasore to the Court of the learned Special Judge (Vigilance), Sambalpur for the convenience of the parties and the witnesses.

(3.) It is stated that Balasore P.S. Case No. 63/2009 has been initiated against the present petitioner for the alleged commission of offence under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (hereinafter referred to as the "Act" for brevity). It is stated that the alleged offence was committed at various places such as Jharsuguda, Jaleswar, Barpali and Chhend where the petitioner was either posted or has his residence. Thus, the Special Courts having territorial jurisdiction over each of those places, such as the Special Courts at Sambalpur and Balasore are competent to try the offence alleged against the petitioner. It is stated by the petitioner that most of the witnesses belong to Bargarh, Jharsuguda and Rourkela. As such it will be easier for them to appear before the Special Judge (Vigilance), Sambalpur than to attend the Court at Balasore.