Himachal MLA Ashish, Cong rebel Chaitanya’s father move HC for cancellation of FIR, allege political persecution
TNR Desk
Former Congress MLA from Gagret Chaitanya Sharma’s father Rakesh Sharma and Independent MLA from Hamirpur Ashish Sharma have approached the Himachal Pradesh High Court seeking the annulment of the FIR registered against them for alleged conspiracy to topple the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government.
Their senior advocate argued that the charges under Sections 7 and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act were unjustified, emphasising the independence of MLAs in electoral matters. Alleging political persecution, they urged the court to cancel the FIR.
In response, Advocate General Anoop Ratan, representing the government, appeared before the high court. The high court issued a notice to the government to respond by April 18, and directed the petitioners to submit their reply by April 26. The case is set for a final hearing on April 26. The accusations against Rakesh Sharma and Independent MLA Ashish involve alleged conspiracy in influencing Rajya Sabha elections.
Furthermore, the high court extended the anticipatory bail of Ashish Sharma and Rakesh Sharma until April 26. They are accused of involvement in alleged horse-trading during the Rajya Sabha election. Amid claims of political pressure and false implication, the court directed cooperation with the investigating agency.
The FIR against them, filed at Boileauganj police station based on a complaint by two Congress MLAs, includes charges under sections 171A, 171C, 120B of the Indian Penal Code, and sections 7 and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Rakesh Sharma has previously served as the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand.
