Manisha Yadav
On 23 August 2025, the High Court of Rajasthan rejected a request from the State government to drop a criminal case against Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Harlal Saharan. A Division Bench consisting of Justice Inderjeet Singh & Justice Bhuwan Goyal stated that the State Government did not provide any reasons to withdraw the case. This case has been ongoing since 2019 that Harlal submitted a forged 10th class marksheet when he filed his nomination for Zila Parishad elections.
The allegations against Harlal Saharan mention that he fabricated a Class X marksheet, which he utilised to support his nomination for the election of Zila Parishad. Following this, he was declared elected, assumed public office, and utilised public funds. The Court pronounce that offences of this nature, which involve terrible misconduct related to the misuse of public office and funds, do not warrant withdrawal from prosecution merely because of the accused’s political status or perceived public image because he is a member of the legislature.
Moreover, the Court emphasised that the trial court had already taken cognizance of the offences against Saharan and had framed charges against him. It also pointed out that a revision application challenging the cognizance order was dismissed by the High Court in 2023, indicating the seriousness of the matter.
Advocate General Rajendra Prasad, representing the State, had previously argued that although a charge sheet had been filed against Harlal Saharan, the evidence on record was insufficient to substantiate the case against him. Rajendra Prasad contended that the charges framed were misguided and unjust.
Furthermore, the Court observed that the trial court had already acknowledged the charges against Saharan and had framed charges.
The Rajasthan High Court stated-
“The Advocate General Rajendra Prasad has not shown how withdrawing this case serves public justice, order, peace, nor has he proven that this request was made in good faith to support public policy and justice, rather than to obstruct the legal process.” Hence, the plea was dismissed.
Case Name: State of Rajasthan v. Chimna Ram
Case No.: S.B Criminal Misc (Pet.) No. 313/2025
Bench: Justice Inderjeet Singh, Justice Bhuwan Goyal
Click here to access the order
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