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Trial in Absentia: Delhi Court Makes Legal History
24 Nov, 2025
Summary
- A Delhi court framed charges in absentia against an absconding murder accused.
- This is the first such trial under the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
- The accused, Jitender Mehto, allegedly murdered a businessman for money.
A significant legal precedent was set in Delhi as a court initiated charges against an absconding murder suspect under the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This is the first instance where the BNSS, designed to prevent justice system paralysis by absconding individuals, has been invoked for a trial in absentia.
The case involves the murder of businessman Ramesh Bhardwaj, allegedly orchestrated by his former help, Jitender Mehto, in January. Bhardwaj's daughter reported him missing after he failed to return home. Investigations revealed a conspiracy involving Mehto, his son Abhishek, and Bhardwaj's own son, Love, who reportedly paid Rs 35,000 for the murder.
Following Abhishek's confession, Bhardwaj's decomposed body was recovered. While Abhishek and Love were apprehended, Jitender Mehto remains at large. Consequently, police secured a non-bailable warrant and declared him a proclaimed offender, paving the way for this historic trial in his absence.
