The Supreme Court on Monday chose not to impose any penalties on its Registry staff following an admission of a scheduling error in a bail application related to a money-laundering case. The mistake, which involved the premature listing of the case, was acknowledged by the Registry’s Deputy Registrar and Assistant Registrar.
During the proceedings, a Division Bench consisting of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih reviewed a report submitted by the Registry. “We have perused the report by the registry. The concerned Deputy Registrar and Assistant Registrar have accepted that by ignoring that one of the petitions was already listed on a specific date, a request was made to the Chief Justice of India to list both together. Since the mistake has been accepted, no action is called for,” stated the Court.
The bail plea, originally scheduled for October 14, was erroneously set for September 20. This raised concerns about the potential manipulation of case scheduling, prompting the Court to demand a thorough explanation from the Registry, which it previously described as “unacceptable.”
This case involves Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan, who is the principal accused in a money-laundering investigation. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Khan and associates acquired properties under proxies, engaging in complex financial transactions that obscured the true nature of the funds.
The Supreme Court’s response to the Registry’s mistake underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity of judicial processes. By opting for a non-punitive response, the Court emphasized the importance of accountability and continuous learning within the judicial system.
