Lalit Modi gets interim protection from arrest

Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Lalit Modi today got a three-week interim protection against arrest from the Bombay High Court in a criminal case against him in Rajasthan.

The High Court allowed Modi to approach appropriate court in Rajasthan for seeking further relief within three weeks, directing that he not be arrested in this period.

Modi, who resides in Mumbai, feared arrest by Rajasthan police after an FIR was lodged against him for cheating, impersonation, and fabrication of documents at Nagaur, Rajasthan on January 27 this year.

Modi, had purchased land in Nagaur in September 2004, but it was alleged that he was not present in the office of deputy registrar when sale deed in his favour was registered.

The IPL chief therefore filed an anticipatory bail application at Bombay High Court, alleging that FIR was lodged only to "pressurise him" and stop him from contesting forthcoming elections of Rajasthan Cricket Association, of which he is the incumbent president.

Justice V M Kanade of the High Court disposed off his petition, restraining police from arresting Modi for three weeks.