Centre's permission reqd to withdraw certain cases:Govt to HC

The Centre today told the Allahabad High Court that its permission is required to withdraw cases in which offence is committed under central acts.

The court had sought the Centre's reply in connection with the Uttar Pradesh government's move to withdraw cases against some terror accused.

Appearing on behalf of the central government, Additional Solicitor General K C Kaushik submitted to the Lucknow bench of the High Court that for offences under the Arms Act, the Explosives Act, 1884, the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the Centre's permission is required to withdraw case.

Earlier, the larger bench comprising Justices Devi Prasad Singh, Ajay Lamba and Ashok Pal Singh had asked the Centre whether its permission was required to withdraw the cases against the terror accused.

Appearing on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, senior Supreme Court counsel Anup George Chaudhary had contended that permission of the Centre was not required for withdrawing the cases.

In June, six local advocates, including Ranjana Agnihotri, had challenged the decision of the UP government to withdraw cases against those accused in terror cases before a two-member bench.

Allahabad High Court had on June 7 stayed the UP government's order to withdraw the cases.

The matter was later referred to the larger bench.

The hearing would continue tomorrow.