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IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI
Yogesh Khanna, J.
CD Pharma India Private Limited - Appellant
Versus
State of NCT of Delhi - Respondent
W.P.(Crl.) 999 of 2020 & Crl. M.A. No. 8526 of 2020
Decided On : 23-12-2020




The court held that investigations must be fair and credible, transferring them only in exceptional cases and allowing for further scrutiny even after a closure report has been filed.

Headnote:(A) Indian Penal Code, 1860 - Sections 120B, 217, 218, 219, 420, 467, 468, and 471 - Transfer of investigation sought from Delhi Police to CBI due to alleged compromise and collusion with accused - Allegations of illegal access to investigation files by accused's lawyer and undue influence on police officials. (Paras 1-24)

(B) Fair Investigation - The court reiterates the necessity of fair investigation and the rarity of transferring investigations; it should only occur in exceptional circumstances where the confidence in the process is questioned. (Paras 21, 29)

(C) Judicial Oversight - Even if a closure report is prepared, it does not inhibit the authority of the magistrate to order further investigation if warranted by new evidence. (Paras 30-32)

Facts of the case:
The petitioner alleges that the investigation into FIR No. 365 of 2017 has been compromised through undue influence and collusion by the main accused and police officers, leading to a biased closure report without summoning key individuals.

Findings of Court:
The court found the investigation was thorough and concluded that the closure report was justified due to lack of evidence. It ordered a senior officer to review specific allegations while keeping the closure report in abeyance.

Issues: The primary issue involved the integrity of the investigation and whether the closure report was the result of undue influence.

Ratio Decidendi: The court stated that extraordinary powers to transfer investigations must be used sparingly, emphasizing the necessity of fair and credible investigations and the role of the magistrate in safeguarding the process.

Result: Petition disposed with directions for a fresh review by a senior officer.

Table of Content
1. petitioner seeks transfer of investigation. (Para 1 , 2)
2. accused had unlawful access to case files. (Para 3 , 4 , 5 , 6)
3. serious allegations of financial misconduct. (Para 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11)
4. concerns about investigation fairness raised. (Para 12 , 13 , 14)
5. defense argues investigation lacks merit. (Para 15 , 16)
6. investigation conducted despite challenges. (Para 20 , 21)
7. need for fair investigation emphasized. (Para 22 , 23 , 24)
8. transfer of investigation requested due to bias. (Para 25 , 26)
9. closure report filed due to insufficient evidence. (Para 27 , 28)
10. court addresses need for thorough review. (Para 29 , 30 , 31)
11. court mandates additional report before closure. (Para 32 , 33)
12. petition disposed and application resolved. (Para 34 , 35)

JUDGMENT

Yogesh Khanna, J. This petition is filed with the following prayers:

    "(a) Issue a writ and/or order and/or direction for transfer of the investigation into FIR No. 365 of 2017, registered by P.S. Safdarjung Enclave, from the Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police, Section VI to the Central Bureau of Investigation since the investigations have been compromised in collusion with the accused and Mr.Stefano Bagianti, as detailed in the writ petition and the matter requires international investigation spanning several countries such as Switzerland, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, China, etc.;

    (b) Examine the case record and set aside the biased investigation conducted and/or report prepared by the investigating officer in collusion with the accused;

    (c) Direct CBI to register an FIR under the provisions of Section 217, 218, 219 and Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 against Respondent Nos. 2, Mr. Stefano Bagianti, accused Claudio De Simone and accused Kanwaldeep Singh Chadha for conspiring with each other to enable Mr. Stefano Bagianti to gain unlawful access to the entire case file during the investigations and illegally influencing such investigations;

    (d) Direct the Police Commissioner to initiate a departmental enquiry against the investigating officer and other errant officers;

    (e) xxxxxxx."

2. It is submitted by the learned senior counsel for the petitioner, the petition is filed on account of subversion of entire process of law by the Investigating Officer and other officers to shield the accused persons in FIR No.365/2017 registered at PS, Safadurjung Enclave, Delhi, due to the undue influence exercised by Mr.Stefano Bagianti (an Italian lawyer), accused Claudio De Simone and accused Kanwaldeep Singh Chadha.

3. It is submitted in a legal proceeding in Switzerland against accused Claudio De Simone for money laundering, (he being a prime accused in FIR No.365/2017) he filed a memo of defense dated 14.05.2020 along with a letter dated 10.03.2020 of his Italian lawyer, Mr.Stefano wherein Mr.Stefano asserted he had visited India between July, 24 to 26, 2019 and met four police officials in various capacities, incharge of this investigation and during a plenary meeting on July 25, 2019 was provided direct access to the entire case file.

4. Mr. Bagianti categorically stated in the presence of these officers, he directly examined the case file which included the names of witnesses, witness statements and other incriminating evidence against the accused persons, including accused Claudio De Simone and accused Kanwaldeep Singh Chadha and that it is shocking as to how Mr.Bagianti was able to meet the four officers involved in the investigation in various capacities (all together) and how he was allowed to examine the case file containing voluminous evidence.

5. Further it is submitted by the learned senior counsel in a letter dated 10.03.2020 Mr.Stefano further asserted he was assured by respondent no.2 and other officials involved in investigation that a closure report shall be filed in FIR No.365/2017 and on 09.09.2019 over a telephone call the Investigating Officer i.e. respondent no.2 had assured him the matter be considered

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