The Allahabad High Court extended interim protection from arrest to renowned hairstylist Jawed Habib and his son Anosh Habib in connection with a case alleging a multi-crore investment fraud.
The Bench comprising Justice Siddhartha Varma and Justice Achal Sachdeva directed that no coercive measures be taken against the duo until the investigating authorities complete the probe and submit the chargesheet.
The Court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by the father and son, challenging multiple FIRs registered in Sambhal District, Uttar Pradesh, and seeking protection from arrest. As per the complaints, the petitioners had allegedly organised a seminar in September 2023, wherein participants were persuaded to invest amounts ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹20 lakh in a firm named Follicle Global Company (FLC), with promises of lucrative returns.
It was alleged that despite the passage of two years, neither the promised profits nor the principal investments were returned to the investors. Citing these allegations, 32 FIRs were lodged against the duo.
Contending that the allegations were inflated and premature, the counsels for the petitioners submitted that the matter warranted a thorough investigation before any coercive action.
After considering the material placed on record, the Court observed that the matter required detailed scrutiny and, accordingly, ordered that the interim protection from arrest would continue until the filing of the chargesheet.
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