In a notable development reflecting the judiciary’s firm stance on procedural discipline, the Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a petition filed by IAS officer Mr. Janak Prasad Pathak seeking the transfer of a rape and atrocity case from Janjgir-Champa to another district. The petition was dismissed after neither the officer’s lawyer nor any representative appeared before the court during the scheduled hearing.
Background of the Case in Janjgir-Champa
A criminal case under rape and atrocity sections was recently registered against Mr. Pathak in the Janjgir-Champa district. The matter is currently being heard in the Janjgir-Champa Atrocity Court. Seeking a transfer of the trial, Mr. Pathak had approached the High Court requesting that proceedings be shifted to another district within the state.
Court’s Observation: Lack of Interest in Pursuing the Case
On Friday, the matter came up before the single bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha. However, no legal counsel appeared for Mr. Pathak, nor was any request for an extension submitted. Taking note of repeated non-appearances, the High Court dismissed the petition, remarking in its order that the applicant appeared uninterested in pursuing his plea.
Declared Assets of IAS Officer Janak Prasad Pathak
Mr. Pathak, currently serving as Special Secretary, has declared several properties as part of his asset disclosures. These include:
– An ancestral house in Dharampur, Bastar valued at Rs. 20 lakh
– A 4,800 sq ft plot in Dunda valued at Rs. 20 lakh
– A jointly held 1,193.6 sq ft flat in Indraprastha Apartment valued at Rs. 24.81 lakh
– A 3,600 sq ft plot in Serikhedi valued at Rs. 16.01 lakh
– A 4,000 sq ft plot in Junwani, Durg valued at Rs. 33.08 lakh
– 0.12 hectares of land in Jevara village, Durg valued at Rs. 29.77 lakh
The total declared property value amounts to approximately Rs. 1.43 crore.
