Jaipur, Rajasthan: In a significant development in the ongoing investigation involving former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi, a special Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court has ruled that his arrest was not illegal and was carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and constitutional safeguards.
The court observed that investigating agencies had complied with the requirements laid down under Section 48 of the BNSS and ensured that all constitutional rights available to the accused were protected during the arrest process.
Defense Challenged Arrest Procedure
During the hearing, the defense had raised objections regarding the legality of Joshi’s arrest and questioned whether due procedure had been followed by the investigating agency. The defense argued that the arrest was arbitrary and sought relief from the court on procedural grounds.
However, after examining the case records, arrest memo and submissions from both sides, the court found no violation of legal provisions governing arrests.
Court Finds Compliance With Legal Requirements
The ACB court noted that the investigating agency had informed the accused about the grounds of arrest and followed the procedures prescribed under the BNSS. The court further observed that constitutional protections available to an accused person had been respected throughout the process.
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According to the order, the materials placed before the court indicated that the arrest was conducted in accordance with law and did not suffer from procedural irregularities that would render it illegal.
Major Setback for Former Minister
The ruling is being viewed as a setback for Mahesh Joshi, who had challenged the validity of his arrest. The court’s observations strengthen the position of the investigating agency and may influence future proceedings connected to the case.
Legal experts believe that the order reinforces the principle that courts will primarily examine whether statutory safeguards and constitutional rights were adhered to during an arrest rather than merely relying on allegations of procedural impropriety.
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Investigation and Judicial Proceedings Continue
With the court rejecting objections regarding the arrest, the focus is now expected to shift toward the substantive allegations under investigation. The agency is continuing its probe, while further hearings in the matter are likely to take place in the coming weeks.
The case has attracted considerable political and public attention due to Mahesh Joshi’s prominent role in Rajasthan politics and the broader implications of the investigation.