Major Setback for Former Minister Mahesh Joshi in Water Life Mission Scam Case

Jaipur, June 10: Former Rajasthan Minister Mahesh Joshi has faced a significant setback in the corruption case linked to the Water Life Mission (JJM). A special court for Prevention of Corruption Act cases has dismissed his petition, which claimed his arrest was illegal and sought his release.

Special Judge Rajesh Kumar Dadiya stated that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had adhered to constitutional provisions and the rules of the Indian National Security Code (BNSC) during the arrest. The court noted that Joshi’s family members were informed of the arrest in a timely manner through both verbal and electronic means, rendering the arrest legal.

Joshi’s lawyer argued that the mandatory legal procedures were not followed during his arrest on May 7 and the subsequent five-day police remand. The defense cited the Supreme Court case of “Vihan Kumar vs. State of Haryana,” claiming that written notice of the reasons for the arrest was neither provided to family members nor documented. They demanded immediate release on these grounds.

In contrast, Special Public Prosecutor Manjula Jain informed the court that the ACB team, led by Additional Superintendent of Police Bhupendra Singh, arrived at Joshi’s residence with an arrest warrant. At that time, his son Rohit Joshi, daughter-in-law, and elder sister were present. The officials identified themselves and informed the family about the action being taken.

According to the prosecution, Joshi was given time to complete his morning routine before being formally arrested at the ACB headquarters. The arrest notification was first sent via phone and later through WhatsApp to his son Rohit Joshi. Screenshots of these communications were presented as evidence in court.

The court’s order emphasized that the primary aim of Section 48 of the BNSC is to protect the accused’s right to legal defense. The court also mentioned that Joshi’s lawyer was present during the remand hearing and effectively represented his case, indicating that the family and legal representatives were informed promptly.

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S.K./D.K.P.