Supreme Court Rebukes Its Registry Over Handling of Investment Fraud Case

The Supreme Court lashed out at its Registry for mishandling a case involving a massive investment fraud exceeding Rs 37,000 crore. The bench expressed displeasure at the officials who acted beyond authority, causing confusion about issuing a notice to the Enforcement Directorate. An inquiry has been ordered.

In a rare and sharp criticism, the Supreme Court on Monday reproached its own Registry for a mishandling in a high-profile case. The reprimand came from a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, who accused the Registry of exceeding their authority and assuming roles akin to a 'super Chief Justice of India.'

The court's ire was directed at the Registry's interpretation of a March 23 order regarding a bail plea by Ayushi Mittal, alleged to be involved in a Rs 37,000 crore investment fraud. The Registry failed to issue necessary notices, prompting the court to demand a fact-finding inquiry into their conduct.

In response, the court mandated the registrar judicial to probe the oversight. Meanwhile, it has postponed a decision on Mittal's bail plea, pending comprehensive details of assets owned by her and associates. The plea is set to be reviewed again in May.