Interim protection from arrest to Vinod Dua in FIR registered at Himachal: SC directs him to join investigation either online or at residence

The SC on June 14, 2020 {VINOD DUA vs UNION OF INDIA & ANOTHER} held that pending further orders, the petitioner shall not be arrested in connection with the present crime.

It was however directed by the Bench, comprising of Justice UDAY UMESH LALIT, Justice MOHAN M. SHANTANAGOUDAR and Justice VINEET SARAN, that the petitioner shall extend full cooperation in investigation to police through Video Conferencing or Online mode.

In the present case, the petitioner had filed the present writ petition in SC seeking quashing of FIR No. 0053 dated 06.05.2020 U/s 124A, 268, 501, 505 IPC registered at Police Station Kumarsain, District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

The SC directed that Himachal Pradesh Police shall be entitled to carry on the investigation including interrogation of the petitioner at his residence after giving him prior notice of 24 hours and complying with the Social Distancing norms prescribed during Covid-19 Pandemic. It was also directed that the affidavit in reply to be filed on behalf of the State which shall indicate the steps taken during investigation and a complete Status Report shall be filed before the next date of hearing.