Mumbai court issues proclamation against MP Navneet Rana’s father in fake certificate case – India Today

The magistrate court issuing a proclamation means that the process of declaring him an absconding accused has begun.

Amravati MP Navneet Rana (Above) and her father are accused of forging a fake caste certificate.

By Vidya : The Sewree Magistrate court in Mumbai has imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 on Amravati independent MP Navneet Rana and her father Harbhajan Kundles for seeking adjournment during the court hearing of the fake caste certificate case.

Rana and her father are accused of forging a fake caste certificate. Earlier, in 2021, the Bombay High Court had ordered Rana to surrender her certificate after it concluded that it was obtained fraudulently.

READ | Fake Caste certificate case: Mumbai police opposes Navneet Rana’s move to stay criminal proceedings

The high court had concluded that “the application (for a caste certificate) was made intentionally (by Rana) to make a fraudulent claim to enable her to contest the election for the post of Member of Parliament on a seat reserved for a Scheduled Caste candidate.” Rana had then approached the Supreme Court, which stayed the high court order.

On Monday, Rana’s lawyer was not present in the magistrate court and a junior lawyer sought an adjournment. The magistrate court has to hear Navneet Rana’s application, which stated that since the Supreme Court is seized of the issue, the local court here cannot proceed with the criminal case.

ALSO READ | Mumbai court issues non-bailable warrants against Navneet Rana, father in caste certificate case

The prosecution has already opposed Rana’s plea, stating that the case under consideration in the Apex court is civil in nature while the case being heard by the magistrate court is a criminal case that was registered by the Mulund police.

During the hearing on Monday, the magistrate court also issued a proclamation against Navneet Rana’s father. Rana’s father, Harbhajan, has neither been arrested nor come to court on his own in spite of an NBW issued against him. Issuance of a proclamation means that the process of declaring him an absconding accused has begun. Now, advertisements and notices would be put up around Harbhajan’s residence declaring him an absconder.

ALSO READ | Mumbai court orders city police to execute NBWs against MP Navneet Rana, her father

This proceeding in court took place after complainant Jayant Wanjari’s lawyer Sachin Thorat pointed out that in the issue pending before the Supreme Court, Navneet Rana is the petitioner but her father is not a party to the petition.

Harbhajan’s lawyer then sought to file an exemption application, but the magistrate court decided to go ahead with the proclamation order. The magistrate court will further hear the case on February 16.

ALSO READ | Magistrate questions non-execution of NBW against Navneet Rana: Is Mumbai police managed?