The Delhi High Court has recalled its earlier order granting interim relief to The Wire founding editor Siddharth Varadarajan in his plea concerning the issuance of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, observing that he was prima facie guilty of suppressing material facts relating to conditions imposed in a bail order passed by the Allahabad High Court.

The Court noted that the bail conditions imposed in the connected proceedings had not been disclosed while seeking relief in the writ petition and said the omission went to the root of the matter.

Observing that the petitioner was not entitled to discretionary relief in such circumstances, the Court remarked that the bail application before the Allahabad High Court and the conditions imposed therein had not been brought to its notice. The Bench said that the writ petition was liable to be dismissed and indicated that action could also be warranted over the suppression.

While taking note of the apology tendered by Senior Advocate Nitya Ramakrishnan, appearing for Varadarajan, the Court said it was inclined to accept the apology only to the extent of refraining from immediate action, but maintained that no relief could be granted to the petitioner in light of the suppression of material facts.

The Court has now asked Varadarajan to explain his conduct while recalling the relief earlier granted in the matter.

Appearances:

For petitioner (Siddharth Varadrajan): Sr Adv  Nitya Ramakrishnan

For respondent: ASG Chetan Sharma