LABH SINGH Vs. BALWANT RAI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is a complainant's application under section 526 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for the transfer of a criminal case which is pending in the Court of Mr. Bhatnagar, Additional Sessions Judge, Feozepore.

(2.) The petitioner alleges that Balwant Rai accused is a friend and associate of an important and well-to-do Zamindar of the Ferozepore District, that several of the relations of the accused are in the employ of the said Zamindar and that Mr. Bhatnagar, who was transferred to the Ferozepore District a short time ago, has been accepting hospitality from and using the car of the said Zamindar. As the Zamindar is keenly interested in the accused and as Mr. Bhatnagar has reason to be grateful for the favour shown him the petitioner apprehends that he is not likely to receive justice at the hands of this officer.

(3.) Mr. Bhatnagar, who was asked to comment on the correctness of the allegations appearing in the application, frankly admits that on his transfer to the Ferozepore District he took his meals on several occasions with the Zamindar and also made use of his car.