 "My removal is 'contempt of court': Kanhaiya Kumar's counsel")
Rahul Mehra, the counsel of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar, on Tuesday expressed disappointment with his removal in the matter and said that it was a 'contempt of court'.
"My version is that I have been appointed by the Supreme Court, the Lieutenant General and the state government. I am an appointee of the Supreme Court. This is contempt of court because the procedures are not being followed," Mehra told ANI.
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"Under Section 24 (a) of the CrPC, there is a special procedure of how a Special Public Prosecutor is to be appointed. That process has not been followed, there has been no notification. Notification has to be passed if there is an appointment," he added.
He also said that he would continue to fight this case on behalf of the government.
Ahead of Kanhaiya's bail plea hearing, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung today ordered Mehra's removal and appointed four lawyers.
This came after the Delhi Police wrote to the Lieutenant Governor and stated they have no confidence in the lawyers appointed by the state government and suggested four new names, including Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
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Mehra was appointed as Kumar's counsel by the Delhi Government and this move is likely to spark another confrontation between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government and the LG.
The Delhi High Court today sought a status report on Kanhaiya's bail plea as the hearing is set to resume tomorrow.
The High Court has sought the status report from the Delhi Police, which mentions eyewitness' statements, Kanhaiya's presence and video footage against him.
The Delhi Police has raised opposition against Kanhaiya's bail plea hearing citing that there is enough evidence against him.