IPL spot-fixing: HC sends notice to Sreesanth, 35 others

New Delhi, Nov 18: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to suspended cricketer S. Sreesanth and 35 others on a police plea challenging the trial court order to drop charges against them in the 2013 Indian Premier League spot-fixing case.

The trial court on July 25 discharged cricketers Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan, and 33 others.

Justice Siddharth Mridul sought their response on the plea of police by December 16.

Delhi Police had charge sheeted the 36 for cheating and conspiracy under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Delhi Police filed a charge sheet on July 30, 2013, alleging that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his aide Chhota Shakeel were behind the spot-fixing scandal.

In their appeal, police said the trial court erroneously interpreted the law pertaining to the MCOCA and its order was unsustainable.

Dropping all charges against the 36 accused, the trial court held that the Special Cell of Delhi Police was unable to establish any nexus or link between the accused and the crime syndicate allegedly run by Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Shakeel, who were declared proclaimed offenders in the case.  (IANS)