Allahabad High Court Grants Interim Relief to MLA in Maid's Suicide Case

Proceedings Stayed and Protection Granted Pending Further Investigation and Hearing

In a significant legal development, the Allahabad High Court has granted interim relief to Zahid Beg, a sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), who was accused in a case involving the alleged suicide of his maid servant. The court observed that the charge sheet filed against Beg and his wife under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), lacked proper investigation. Justice Sameer Jain presided over the case, where he heard arguments from Senior Advocate G.S. Chaturvedi, representing the applicant, and the State's Additional Government Advocate (AGA).

The case arose from accusations following the tragic suicide of Beg's maid, leading to both Beg and his wife, Seema Beg, being charged under Section 108 BNSS. The defense argued that the allegations were false and that the charge sheet was filed without substantial evidence or thorough investigation. It was highlighted that the offense under Section 108 BNSS was not prima facie applicable, warranting a reassessment of the investigation process.

Advocate Chaturvedi requested the court to connect Beg's application with a similar application filed by his wife, which is currently under review by the court. This would allow both matters to be heard simultaneously, ensuring a fair and comprehensive judicial process.

The State's counsel contested the defense's request for interim relief but did not dispute the factual arguments presented by the applicant's counsel. Recognizing the complexity of the case and the need for further consideration, Justice Jain ruled that the matter required detailed examination.

As an interim measure, the court ordered a stay on proceedings related to the Session Trial No. 34 of 2025, arising from Case Crime No. 188 of 2024, registered under Section 108 BNSS at Bhadohi Police Station. This stay will remain in effect until the next date of listing, scheduled for October 28, 2025, when the case will be among the top ten cases in the daily cause list.

Furthermore, the court instructed the State to file a counter affidavit, providing additional insights into the case's dynamics. The court's decision underscores the importance of due process and thorough investigation in criminal cases, especially those involving public figures.

The judgment highlights the judiciary's role in safeguarding the rights of individuals and ensuring that legal proceedings are conducted with fairness and integrity. The case's outcome could have significant implications for how allegations against public officials are handled and investigated, reinforcing the need for meticulous scrutiny in such matters.

Bottom Line:

Protection granted to an accused sitting MLA in a case where charge sheet was filed under Section 108 BNSS without proper investigation, and proceedings stayed pending consideration.

Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Section 108

Zahid Beg Alias Zahid Jamal Beg v. State of U.P., (Allahabad) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2805235