Abhishek Singhvi Seeks to Withdraw Roop Bansal's Corruption FIR Petition in High Court
In a significant development, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi sought to withdraw the petition filed by real estate developer Roop Bansal to quash a corruption FIR in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, declined the request and ordered the hearing to continue.
Corruption FirReal EstatePunjab And Haryana High CourtAbhishek Manu SinghviRoop BansalReal EstateMay 27, 2025
The petition by Roop Bansal, director of the real estate firm M3M, seeks to quash an FIR filed by Haryana’s Anti-Corruption Bureau. As the hearing began, Singhvi opened with a pointed clarification, “I understand why, My Lord, sometimes a wrong message is given, as if we are trying to delay or not have it heard… I just deprecate that.”
Singhvi acknowledged past adjournments and sought to dispel any notion of evasiveness. “Yes, we may have given a wrong impression … I believe in being very candid with the court,” he said. He proceeded to outline what he called “seven or eight substantive points,” foremost among them being the lack of sanction under section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which he termed a jurisdictional defect. “The interesting point is that 17A is mandatory—this is not disputed. And 17A has factually not been taken—this too is not disputed,” he said.
The chief justice interjected to clarify that the judicial officer mentioned in the FIR was not before the court. “The judge’s case is not before us, so we are not dealing with his case,” Chief Justice Nagu said. Singhvi responded: “No, My Lord, I’m talking about the allegation against me. I’m M3M. The allegation is that I conspired with the judge to get benefits. If the judge never dealt with my cases, how can I be in a 120B with him?”
Singhvi then pivoted to challenge the evidentiary basis of the FIR, citing that WhatsApp screenshots and voice recordings had not been validated by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory’s reports. “Out of four recordings, three are not matched. One is a probable match—not a confirmed one,” he submitted. Singhvi also raised objections to alleged illegal interceptions, pointing to violations of Rule 419A of the Telegraph Rules: “There is no averment of following the interception rules… and there’s case law to that effect.”
The senior counsel also criticised the role of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which had opposed the petition. “The ED is intervening with no locus in a predicate offence case… My clients were foolish enough not to challenge their intervention,” Singhvi said. Senior counsel Zoheb Hossain, appearing for the ED, said the agency’s impleadment had not been objected to.
Singhvi then made a candid admission. “I don’t want to risk adverse findings on my ultimate trial… This is a very strange case. I’m not seeking any relief today. I wish to withdraw this petition.” However, Chief Justice Nagu declined the request, stating: “We are hearing you on merits… I would decline that request of yours.”
Insisting on the right of an accused to withdraw a petition under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Singhvi said: “Surely, My Lord, a criminal accused has a right to withdraw… Look, I want to satisfy the judge’s conscience. There shouldn’t be any catch to it. Today, opposing me is the ED—of all people—in a predicate offence 482.” Singhvi asked the court to at least record his request, “Kindly record my submission that I wish to withdraw it.”
When Singhvi expressed concern about adverse observations affecting his trial, Chief Justice Nagu reassured him, “Even if we record some observations, we will always say that this will not influence the trial judge.” The hearing continued with Chief Justice Nagu directing Singhvi to proceed with his arguments. The case will now be heard at 9.30 am on Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue in Roop Bansal's petition?
The main issue in Roop Bansal's petition is to quash a corruption FIR filed by Haryana’s Anti-Corruption Bureau against him and others.
Why did Abhishek Manu Singhvi seek to withdraw the petition?
Abhishek Manu Singhvi sought to withdraw the petition to avoid any adverse findings that could affect his trial and to be candid with the court.
What is the significance of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act?
Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act is mandatory and requires specific sanction, which Singhvi argued was not obtained in this case.
What were the main points of Singhvi's argument against the FIR?
The main points of Singhvi's argument included the lack of sanction under Section 17A, challenges to the evidentiary basis of the FIR, and allegations of illegal interceptions.
What was the court's response to Singhvi's request to withdraw the petition?
The court, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, declined Singhvi's request to withdraw the petition and directed him to proceed with his arguments.
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