Businessman files plaint against magistrate

A city-based businessman has filed a complained against inaction by Surat chief judicial magistrate (CJM) to the chief justice of Gujarat High Court.

According to information, Arjun Uttamchandani, managing director of India Polyspin Ltd, had filed a criminal complaint against Colaco, assistant general manager, Bank of Baroda, Surat.

Uttamchandani had taken a loan from the bank but could not repay it resulting in the bank taking possession of his residence under Section 13 (4) of the Securitisation Act.

Uttamchandani had requested Colaco to first secure permission from the Surat district collector u/s 14 of the Securitisation Act, before taking possession of his residence. Colaco, however, directly took over the house on June 12.

Uttamchandani pointed out to the bank that a stay by the Surat district court was still operative, but his plea was ignored.

Subsequently, Uttamchandani filed a criminal complaint against Colaco alleging illegality. Surat's chief judicial magistrate P M Pandya examined the complainant five months back, but for some reason he preferred not to proceed any further.

In view of this, Uttamchandani filed a complaint on December 2 against the inaction by CJM P M Pandya on his complaint, with the chief justice of Gujarat High Court, seeking appropriate directions to him.