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Delhi HC allows Delhi businessman to reclaim copter without paying dues

The Delhi high court today allowed Suresh Rao, who had been allegedly kept under captivity and cheated by Dawood aide Romesh Sharma, to take possession of 'his' helicopter without paying Rs 250,000 per month, as directed by the trial court.

Chief metropolitan magistrate R K Gauba had directed Rao to pay the amount every month for a period of 12 months after he was permitted to use the helicopter for commercial purposes. This was one of the 16 conditions for handing over of the possession of the helicopter to Rao.

Since Rao would be gaining from the helicopter, he will have to deposit Rs 250,000 per month in the court through fixed deposits, the judge had ruled.

Disposing Rao's application seeking exemption from paying the amount, justice J B Goel ordered that the clause be waived from the trial court order subject to Rao's fulfilling the rest of the conditions.

Rao had expressed his inability to pay the huge amount, saying that his income did not permit him to abide by the conditions.

The CBI did not object to the application on the condition that Rao followed the other 15 conditions.

The chief metropolitan magistrate had, in his 16-page judgment, directed Rao to execute a bond ( super dignima) of Rs 6 million and a surety of Rs 3 million for getting his helicopter back.

Rao had complained that Romesh had 'abducted' him and during the captivity forced him to sign papers, transferring the helicopter to Romesh. The helicopter was taken by the politician-businessman from Rao for electioneering in Uttar Pradesh. The complaint was lodged with the police after he was rescued.

Among the other conditions imposed by the trial court were: Rao was asked to get a full and comprehensive insurance of the helicopter from any subsidiary of the General Insurance Corporation; Rao would be allowed to use the helicopter for lawful purposes without altering its image or colour; he was restrained from selling or transferring the helicopter; he would produce the helicopter's papers before the court or any other appropriate authority as and when required.

UNI

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