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Suspended Bombay judge's bail plea rejected

A special court on Monday rejected the bail plea of suspended judge J W Singh, facing charges of an alleged act of extortion and nexus with the underworld, on the ground that there was a prima facie case against him.

The court, however, deferred until September 14 framing of charges against the accused who urged for time to enable him move the Bombay high court in appeal against the verdict. Singh's counsel I P Bagadia pleaded for deferring the framing of charge as the accused desired to file an appeal against the two orders rejecting his bail and plea to quash proceedings under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act and Prevention of Corruption Act.

The designated judge, A P Bhangale, observed that the accused was not a criminal or a member of any mafia and, therefore, the court had sympathy with him. However, in view of the fear expressed by the prosecution that he might tamper with evidence and considering the ban imposed on his liberty under section 21 of the MCOCA, the court was not inclined to oblige him, he remarked.

The judge ordered the trial in this case be expedited.

Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam opposed Singh's bail plea saying there was a possibility of the accused tampering with evidence because some witnesses, who have recognised Singh's voice in the recorded conversations, were court staff.

Police claim to have recorded three telephonic talks between the suspended judge, underworld figure Chhota Shakeel and conduit Liyakat Ali Shaikh wherein Singh asked for the recovery of Rs 4 million, in connection with his chit fund, from Sardar Singh Abrol in lieu of judicial favours.

Suspended judge remanded to police custody