Supreme Court reserves verdict on plea to shift Sabharwal death trial outside Madhya Pradesh

The Supreme Court on Friday reserved verdict on a petition filed by Professor Himanshu seeking transfer of the trial of the case of the death of his father, H.S. Sabharwal in August 2006, during student union polls in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh.
Initially Justice Arijit Pasayat indicated that the trial could be shifted to a court in Nagpur, but finally the Bench, which included P. Sathasivam, reserved judgment. The court already stayed the trial.
Professor Himanshu alleged that the Madhya Pradesh government was trying to shield the culprits and the police officers remained mute spectators to the brutal assault on his father. It was alleged that many police officers, who were cited as witnesses turned hostile while adducing evidence. The trial would be a mockery if it was held in Ujjain court, the petitioner said. His father died in the presence of 70 police officials, the media and the public. The investigation was hushed up and efforts were made to change the course of the case as the accused were members of the ruling party’s youth wing.
Legal Correspondent
The Hindu; Saturday, Mar 08, 2008