High Court Rejects IAS Officer Janak Prasad Pathak’s Transfer Petition After Counsel Fails to Appear
The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a transfer petition filed by IAS officer Janak Prasad Pathak in connection with a rape and atrocity case, after his counsel failed to appear for the scheduled hearing. The court treated the absence as a lack of intent to pursue the matter, leading to the petition’s dismissal.
Background of the Case in Janjgir-Champa
Mr. Pathak is facing criminal charges under sections related to rape and atrocities in the Janjgir-Champa district. The case is being heard before the Atrocity Court in Janjgir-Champa, where proceedings are currently underway. In an attempt to have the trial shifted out of the district, Mr. Pathak had moved the High Court with a request to transfer the matter to another district within Chhattisgarh.
Court’s View: Absence Suggests No Interest in Continuing the Petition
The case was listed before the single-judge bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha on Friday. Despite the scheduled hearing, no lawyer or representative appeared on behalf of Mr. Pathak, nor was any application submitted seeking a postponement. Observing that the petitioner had repeatedly failed to appear, the court concluded that the applicant had shown no inclination to pursue his own plea. On this basis, the High Court dismissed the petition.
Declared Assets of IAS Officer Janak Prasad Pathak
Mr. Pathak, who is presently posted as a Special Secretary, has disclosed multiple assets in his official declarations. His reported properties include:
