The wife of former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt on Monday approached the Supreme Court alleging that her husband is being thwarted from moving the Supreme Court.
A Bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and Navin Sinha termed the allegation “serious” if found true and asked the State of Gujarat to file a response by October 4.
The Bench said the allegation raised by Shweta Sanjiv Bhatt was serious as it involved the State preventing a citizen from approaching the Supreme Court.
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Mr. Bhatt was arrested by the Gujarat CID on September 5 in connection with a 22-year-old case of alleged planting of drugs to arrest an advocate.
Ms. Shweta Bhatt’s lawyer said they have also challenged his remand. But Justice Gogoi said the immediate issue before the Supreme Court is neither Mr. Bhatt’s remand or individual hardship.
“If a citizen is not allowed to come to court and his wife has to come before us, then it is a very serious issue,” Justice Gogoi orally addressed counsel.
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Ms. Shweta Bhatt, speaking through her counsel, alleged that her husband was not allowed to sign documents, including a vakalatnama, seeking access to justice in courts.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Gujarat government, said it would file an affidavit with regard to the averments made in the petition.
Mr. Bhatt was suspended in 2011 on charges of remaining absent from duty without permission and misuse of official vehicles. He was sacked in August 2015.