HC upholds charges against Tytler, Verma in corruption case

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday upheld the charges framed by a trial court against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler and controversial businessman Abhishek Verma in a corruption case.

The high court dismissed the petitions of Tytler and Verma, an alleged arms dealer, challenging the trial court's order putting them on trial in the case for allegedly using a forged letter, typed on the letter head of the then Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Maken and addressed to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2009.

Justice Ashutosh Kumar said it appeared that the trial court has come to the conclusion that the offences for which the two accused have been charged are "prima facie made out for trial".

It noted that after framing of the charge, 13 prosecution witnesses have already been examined before the trial court.

"Considering the facts, this court is of the view that the prosecution of the petitioner ought not to be thwarted at this stage. No case for interference has been made out on behalf of the petitioner. The petition is thus dismissed," the bench said.

The trial court had framed charges against Tytler, who is out on bail, for alleged offences under various sections of the IPC including 120-B read with 420 and 471 and under section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act dealing with taking gratification by corrupt or illegal means to influence public servant. Verma, who is also on bail, was put on trial for alleged offences under sections 120-B read with 420, 471, 511 of IPC and under section 8 of PC Act.