Proper preparation of paper-books in accordance with High Court of Sikkim, Practice and Procedure Rules
Sikkim High Court Directs Reorganization of Paper-Books in Money Laundering Case. Inadequate documentation hampers proceedings; Registry ordered to ensure compliance with procedural rules for effective adjudication.
In a recent judgment, the Sikkim High Court, presided over by Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan, has ordered the reorganization of paper-books in a criminal revision petition concerning a money laundering case. The case, Directorate of Enforcement v. M/s Valley Distributors LLP, highlighted significant procedural lapses in the preparation of paper-books, which are pivotal for the efficient navigation of legal documents during court proceedings.
The petitioner, Directorate of Enforcement, challenged an order of discharge dated April 30, 2024, passed by the Special Judge under Section 227 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. The case involves allegations under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
During the hearing, it was revealed that the paper-books were scattered across four volumes, with irrelevant documents interspersed among essential ones, making it nearly impossible for the court and the counsel to locate critical documents efficiently. This disarray was attributed to non-compliance with the High Court of Sikkim, Practice and Procedure Rules, which mandate meticulous preparation and indexing of paper-books in criminal revision petitions.
Justice Pradhan emphasized the importance of adhering to these procedural rules to prevent confusion and facilitate the court in delivering justice. He directed the Registry to prepare revised paper-books in consultation with the counsel for the parties involved, ensuring the inclusion of only relevant documents and avoiding duplication.
The judgment underscored the necessity for a detailed index and the inclusion of essential documents such as the judgment and order of the Special Judge, the petition for revision, the prosecution complaint with all supporting documents, and the application for discharge filed by the respondents.
The court has adjourned the hearing to October 27, 2025, allowing time for the reorganization of the paper-books, which is set to be completed by September 17, 2025. Justice Pradhan's directive aims to enhance the court's ability to adjudicate efficiently and ensure justice for the litigants.
Bottom Line:
Criminal Revision Petition - Proper preparation of paper-books in accordance with High Court of Sikkim, Practice and Procedure Rules - Registry directed to ensure compliance with rules for efficient navigation of documents and proper administration of justice.
Statutory Provision(s): 1. Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, Section 227 2. Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, Sections 44, 45 3. High Court of Sikkim, Practice and Procedure Rules
Directorate of Enforcement v. M/s Valley Distributors LLP, (Sikkim) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2767308
