Counterfeit currency case: Accused allowed to stay back in UK for 1 more year

The Additional Session Judge M A Tailor, in the judgment dated June 9, mentioned, “In the present Covid-19 pandemic situation, the applicant (Zakir Patel) cannot visit India… The say of the applicant is well corroborated by the documentary evidence produced on record. Except the contention of causing delay in trial, nothing adverse has come on record against the applicant from the prosecution.”

The additional sessions court of Surat had earlier allowed Zakir to visit UK. He works as a teacher in coaching classes. In December, a Surat court allowed Zakir to continue his stay in UK amid the pandemic.

Defense lawyer Rafik Lokhandwala, who was appearing for Zakir, had submitted an application with the additional sessions court of Surat on June 2, seeking extension of the time period allowed for Zakir to stay in UK.

Lokhandwala in his arguments mentioned, “UK (United Kingdom) had listed India in the category of ‘Red list countries’ and citizens had been advised not to travel to India. The restrictions laid by the UK government on travelling has not been lifted or relaxed totally… If the applicant travels to India, there would be risk to his life.”