Subrata moves SC for recall of arrest warrant

However, the police had to return empty handed as Mr. Roy was not found at his residence.

A file photo of Sahara Group chairman Subrata Roy.

An Uttar Pradesh police team raided the house of Sahara chief Subrata Roy on Thursday in Lucknow but returned empty handed even as Mr. Roy moved an application in the Supreme Court seeking to recall the arrest warrant issued against him on Wednesday.

Mr. Roy said he would present himself before the court as he has always upheld the dignity and majesty of the law. Explaining his absence on Wednesday, he said his 92-year-old mother suddenly fell ill and as her medical condition was reportedly very serious and doctors had said anything could happen to her, he had to rush to Lucknow.

Mr. Roy said he had the highest regard for the judiciary, particularly for the apex court, and wanted the court to consider his request sympathetically and permit him to be with his mother in her last moments.

While seeking pardon for the error of judgment on his part and condone the non-appearance in the above facts and circumstances, he prayed for recall of the non-bailable warrant issued against him.

He said the non recall of the NBW would cause grave prejudice and he would suffer irreparable loss and injury because without “your lordships merciful favour the applicant cannot be with his mother in peace.”

The Lucknow police, which has orders to ensure that Mr. Roy is produced in court on March 4, said they would pursue Mr. Roy to execute the court's order. SSP Lucknow Ravindra Gaud said the team went to his residence to “keep track” of his whereabouts.

“Our job is to arrest and produce him in court on March 4 at any cost. So we need to arrest him by March 3. He was not found at home. If found he will be arrested,” he told The Hindu. The Supreme Court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Mr. Roy for failing to appear before it in connection with the Rs.20,000-crore deposits his company has not refunded to its investors.