Harendra Prasad Bhatt v. Dwivedi

Heard Mr. Suresh Chandra Dwivedi, the learned counsel for petitioner and the learned A.G.A. representing State respondents 1, 4 and 5. Notice on behalf of respondents 2 and 3 has been accepted by the office of Additional Solicitor General of India but no one appears on their behalf to oppose this writ petition even in revised call.

Perused the record.

Petitioner Harendra Prasad Bhatt, has approached this Court by means of present Criminal Misc. Writ Petition under Article 226 the Constitution of India with the following reliefs: "(i) Issue a writ order or direction in the nature of Certiorari for impugned summons dated 16.01.2026 issued by the Assistant Director, Enforcement Directorate, Allahabad Sub-Zonal Office, District Prayagraj, under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and restrain the respondents from compelling the applicant to appear, provide statements, or produce documents or records, pending the final disposal of the present writ petition. (Contained in Annexure No.1 to the petition). (ii) Issue a writ order or direction in the nature of Mandamus commanding/directing the respondents not to arrest, detention, or other coercive steps be taken against the applicant in connection with the said impugned summons dated 1601.2026 issued by the Assistant Director, Enforcement Directorate, Allahabad Sub-Zonal Office, District Prayagraj, under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2 CRLP No. 2584 of 2026

2002. (iii) issue any other suitable writ order or direction as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of the case. (iv) award the cost of petition to the petitioner. "

On the matter being taken up, the learned A.G.A. submits that he has not received instructions in the matter. Learned AGA further submits that the identical matter i.e. Criminal Misc. Writ Petition No. 2618 of 2026 (Pradeep Agrawal Vs. State of U.P. and others) arising out of same cause of action has been heard by the Division Bench comprising Hon'ble Mr. Justice Ajay Bhanot and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tarun Saxena.

Connect aforementioned Criminal Misc. Writ Petition along with present writ petition.

In view of above, it is desirable that the instant matter be heard by the aforesaid Division Bench.

Let the matter be placed before their Lordships after obtaining an order of nomination from Hon'ble the Chief Justice.

Matter shall re-appear for admission before appropriate bench as fresh on

18.02.2026 along with connected writ petition.

When the matter shall be listed next, details of the connected writ petition shall be duly published in the cause list. February 11, 2026 Prajapati RK (Lakshmi Kant Shukla,J.) (Rajeev Misra,J.)