SC refuses to stay NBW against Pankaj Bhujbal

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stay a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) against Pankaj Bhujbal, son of senior NCP leader Chaggan Bhujbal, in a money laundering case in connection with construction of the new Maharashtra Sadan in the national Capital. The Apex Court asked Pankaj, who is evading arrest, to first take legal recourse before the Bombay High Court.

“You did not go to Bombay High Court and straightaway came to Supreme Court. Let the High Court first examine the matter. Let the High Court give the reasoning then we will see,” a vacation Bench of Justices A M Sapre and Ashok Bhushan said.

Counsel appearing for Pankaj said that one of the co-accused in the case had already been granted relief by the Apex Court and on the grounds of parity, the NBW issued can be stayed.

“What ground of parity. If one accused is granted relief by the court does not mean that you can also come to the Supreme Court. We have seen the files and allegations. The accused who was granted relief has first gone to Bombay High Court. If he can go to the High Court then why can’t you go to the High Court,” the Bench said while granting the liberty to Pankaj to withdraw the plea and move High Court.