New Delhi: In a sharp rebuke, the Supreme Court on Monday criticised its own Registry, calling its conduct “nasty” and remarking that officials appeared to be acting like a “super Chief Justice of India.”
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the observations while hearing a bail plea filed by Ayushi Mittal, also known as Ayushi Agarwal, who is accused in an alleged investment fraud exceeding Rs 37,000 crore.
The court questioned how Registry officials interpreted its March 23 order as not directing issuance of notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other respondents.
“The registry is acting very nasty… each one sitting here considers themselves as super Chief Justice of India,” the Chief Justice remarked during the hearing.
In its latest order, the bench directed that a fact-finding inquiry be conducted by the Registrar Judicial to determine how the earlier order was misread. It also ordered that notice be formally issued to the Directorate of Enforcement.
The case involves allegations that the petitioner, along with her husband and their company, orchestrated a large-scale investment fraud. While the defence claims that a significant portion of funds has been returned, several hundred crores remain frozen in bank accounts under ED scrutiny.
The court reiterated that it would not consider the bail plea on merits until a complete disclosure of assets is submitted. It has directed the petitioner to file a detailed affidavit listing movable and immovable assets belonging to herself, her family members, and associated individuals, including company officials.
The bench emphasised that a comprehensive account of assets is essential before any relief can be considered.
The matter is expected to be taken up again later this month after the inquiry into the Registry’s handling of the case.
