08 April 2024 Business Debt >> Business & Commercial Law   |   Criminal Appeals & Suspension of Sentence >> Criminal Law  

M.M. Dhonchak, a Presiding Officer at a Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), has filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court challenging his suspension and subsequent chargesheet.

The petition (W.P.(C) 5143/2024 & CM APPL.21072/2024) argues that Mr. Dhonchak's suspension on February 13, 2024, and the chargesheet issued against him on February 26, 2024, lack merit. He also contests the appointment of the inquiry officer assigned to his case.

Mr. Dhonchak, who appeared in person for the hearing, claims to have consistently outperformed other Presiding Officers across DRTs in India. He contends that the accusations of hindering debt recovery are baseless.

The petition further argues that the misconduct charges against him, specifically regarding his behaviour towards lawyers, lack any supporting evidence. No documentation or complaints from affected parties were presented when the chargesheet was issued.

The court has granted an exemption, though the specifics are not mentioned in the order. The initial application connected to the petition has also been settled.

The High Court has issued a notice to the respondent, presumed to be Mr. Dhonchak's employer. The respondent's lawyer has acknowledged the notice. Both parties have been given deadlines to file counter-affidavits and potential rejoinders.

The next hearing for this case is scheduled for July 24, 2024.