Court Finds Revisional Court Overstepped Jurisdiction in Bhupesh Baghel's Discharge Case
In a significant development, the Chhattisgarh High Court has stayed further proceedings in the criminal case involving Bhupesh Baghel, the petitioner, against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Crime unit. The High Court's decision came after it found that the revisional court had exceeded its jurisdiction by setting aside an earlier discharge order and directing the framing of charges against Baghel.
The case has its origins in Criminal Case No. 5465/2018, where the Special Judicial Magistrate (CBI) in Raipur had discharged Baghel based on the material available on record. However, the CBI, dissatisfied with this order, filed a criminal revision petition. The Special Judge (CBI) in Raipur allowed this revision on January 24, 2026, setting aside the discharge order and directing the trial court to proceed with framing charges.
Baghel's legal team, led by Mr. Harshwardhan Parganiha, argued before the High Court that the revisional court's decision was not sustainable in law as it exceeded the scope of its jurisdiction. They requested an interim relief to stay the proceedings during the pendency of their petition.
On the other hand, Mr. Vaibhav A. Goverdhan, representing the CBI, contended that the revisional court's decision was justified after thorough consideration of the case material and that the petition before the High Court was not maintainable.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Radhakishan Agrawal, after hearing both sides, acknowledged the complexities involved and decided to stay the proceedings against Baghel in the trial court. The High Court emphasized that the revisional court had indeed overstepped its jurisdictional boundaries, warranting an immediate halt to further actions in the trial court until the High Court delivers a final decision on the petition.
The High Court has scheduled the next hearing in the first week of September 2026, leaving the legal community keenly awaiting further developments in this high-profile case.
Bottom Line:
Revisional court exceeding its jurisdiction - Order of discharge set aside and direction for framing of charges issued - High Court stayed further proceedings before trial court pending decision on the petition.
Statutory provision(s): Sections 227, 239, and 397 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973
