'Don't think everything can be bought for a price. Do not play with the court? Boby warned
Kochi: The Court expressed strong disapproval on the conduct of Kerala businessman Boby Chemmannur following the events that transpired after bail was granted in the case filed by Honey Rose. In strong words, the HC questioned why Boby was not released from jail even after the order was issued at 4.45 in the evening. The Court observed that the actions of the accused appeared to be a deliberate attempt to attract media attention, by delaying his release while posing as a protector of remand prisoners.
"Is Boby declaring war against the court?" asked Justice PV Kunhikrishnan. "Boby Chemmannur should not assume that anything can be bought at a price. The High Court is here. The judiciary and the High Court are not to be trifled with. We have a clear system of justice, and no one will be allowed to challenge it," the court firmly stated.
The High Court has demanded an apology from Boby Chemmannur for orchestrating unnecessary drama by staying in jail despite being granted bail on Tuesday. The court raised pointed questions regarding Boby's behaviour, asking why he didn’t sleep on Tuesday night, why he is advocating for other prisoners, whether he considers himself above the law, and what he had to say upon his release from jail.
“Do not play dramas with the court. The court that granted bail also has the authority to revoke it. He is not authorized to advocate on behalf of remand prisoners. The High Court and judiciary are there to protect them. He is playing with the High Court, pocketing the order and weaving stories for media attention. If he thinks someone is backing him, the court can show him otherwise. We can even order an arrest. Is this how an accused should behave?” remarked Justice PV Kunhikrishnan orally. The court directed that Boby's stance be clarified by Wednesday at noon.
Irked by the development, the High Court said, "You (Chemmanur) need not take the vakalat of the remand prisoners. The High Court and the judiciary are there to take care of them.
The court directed that an explanation be provided at 12 pm for Chemmanur's conduct. Boby had planned a press meet at 12 noon on Wednesday, which was later postponed to 4 pm. However, according to reports, it is unlikely to happen. The case will be reconsidered by the court on Wednesday at 1:45 PM.
The High Court had granted bail to Boby on Tuesday under strict conditions. However, Boby initially refused to leave jail, citing solidarity with other remand prisoners who had not been released despite being granted bail. Following this, the case was taken up suo motu by the court. Boby’s lawyers were directed to appear, and through swift legal action, Boby was eventually released from jail.