New Delhi, Sept 15: A Delhi High Court Judge who has
been assigned to hear the Uphaar fire tragedy appeals,
expressed reservation in hearing the case, saying his former
associate was involved in one of the cases of Uphaar.
"My junior is associated with a case relating to
compensation to the victims in the case and I prima facie feel
that this is not proper for me to hear the case," Justice S
Ravinder Bhat said.
Advocates appearing for the convicts and the government
counsel, however, expressed no objection and said that they
would not have any problem if Justice Bhat hears the matter.
The Judge said that in that case he would have no
inhibition but asked all parties to file affidavit stating
that they have no objection.
"I was keen that all parties should know about it. I
would have no inhibition to hear the case if they have no
objection," Justice Bhat said while asking all the parties to
file their statements of no objection.
The court adjourned the matter for further direction to
September 18.
Earlier the appeals filed by convicts, including theatre
owners Sushil and Gopal Ansals, was with Justice H R
Malhotra, who has held 40 hearings since February this year.
The Supreme Court, in its September 10 order cancelled
the bail of Ansal brothers and four others and asked the High
Court Chief Justice to constitute an "appropriate" bench for
the appeal proceedings.
Bureau Report
