Bhubneshber, Feb 08: The Orissa High Court has issued a stay order on the non-bailable warrant issued by the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Malkangiri, against senior IAS officer Manish Agarwal for non-appearance in court despite multiple summons.
The SDJM court summoned Mr. Agarwal in connection with the abetment of suicide case of his personal assistant, Deba Narayan Panda, when he was Malkangiri Collector in 2019.
Mr. Agarwal, now Additional Secretary in the Planning and Convergence Department, filed a petition on February 1, 2025, challenging the NBW and seeking permission to appear through an advocate under Section 205 of CrPC.
The SDJM court rejected his plea, stating that the accused must physically appear for the first hearing before seeking exemption.
Justice S.K. Panigrahi admitted the petition and issued a notice to the state government. The court scheduled the final hearing for March 5, 2025, and ruled that the NBW issued on February 1, 2025, will remain stayed until the next hearing.
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