The Supreme Court on Friday declined to hear Sahara chief Subrata Roy’s plea for recalling the non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued by it against him in a contempt case.
Appearing for 65-year-old Roy, Ram Jethmalani pleaded before a Bench, headed by Justice K S Radhakrishnan, to recall the NBW issued by the court on February 26.
He submitted that the special Bench, comprising Justice Radhakrishnan and Justice J S Khehar, which heard the case, be assembled on Friday to hear his application. Jethmalani also informed the court that Roy had already surrendered in Lucknow. The matter was mentioned in the afternoon again but Justice Radhakrishnan declined to hold an out-of-turn hearing.
The court remained unmoved even when it was informed that Subrata Roy had surrendered and his arrest paper could be placed before the court. The Sahara chief had on Thursday approached the apex court tendering an ‘unconditional apology’ for his non-appearance in a contempt case and sought recall of the NBW.
Moving the apex court a day after it issued the NBW to be executed by March 4, Roy admitted that he had erred by his non-appearance under a bonafide belief that the court would permit him personal exemption from appearance for one day.
Besides seeking recall of the NBW, Roy had sought a stay of the operation of its order during pendency of his plea. The order to arrest Roy was issued after his failure to appear before the apex court in the contempt case arising out of non-refund of Rs 20,000 crore to investors by two of his companies.
Roy had sought exemption from personal appearance on the ground of ill-health of his 92-year-old mother.
However, the three directors of Sahara Group, who were also summoned along with Roy, had appeared in the court.