The Supreme Court has appointed former chief justice of India Sanjiv Khanna as sole mediator to resolve a dispute involving prominent businessman Ashokbhai Haribhai Gajera and others in a case linked to textile market projects at Surat.
As per PTI report, A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing an appeal filed by Gajera and two others against the March 11 order of the Gujarat High Court.
The high court had dismissed a batch of petitions filed by Gajera and others seeking to quash an FIR involving allegations of siphoning off Rs 1,900 crore and forging documents to illegally reduce a partner’s shareholding.
The CJI-led bench heard the arguments advanced by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi on behalf of Gajera assailing the high court verdict.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Praveen Deokinandan Agrawal who was allegedly defrauded by Gajera and others, opposed the submissions and said that various documents were forged for siphoning funds to the tune of Rs 1,900 crore.
However, both parties agreed to the suggestion of the bench that they should attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation.
Taking note of the consent, the bench asked former CJI Khanna to act as sole mediator in the case.
The bench asked the lawyers to appear before Justice Khanna who will decide the future course of action and his fees which would be borne equally by both the parties.
