MP High Court seeks response from Attorney General's Office on inaccurate information about whereabouts of accused in human trafficking case

The Madhya Pradesh High Court in Jabalpur under the chairmanship of Judge Sanjay Dwivedi, expressed concerns about the accuracy of information provided by the Office of the Advocate General in the case of Dr. Ajai Lall, a Christian missionary.

The case involves allegations of human trafficking and other serious crimes, including the illegal adoption of children by Lall's organization Aadharshila in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh.

The Office of the Advocate General had informed the court that Dr. Ajai Lall had gone into hiding and fled the country without the permission of the court, despite an injunction prohibiting him from leaving the country.

However, senior advocates Shri VK Tankha and Shri Shashank Shekhar representing Dr. Lall appeared in court along with Dr. Lall. This refuted the information provided by the Attorney General and found it to be erroneous.

The Court found: “Taking into account the above and the fact that the applicant appeared in person before the court with his passport, I declare that he is not present. Taking into account the affidavit submitted by the applicant, this court concludes that no action needs to be taken on the basis of the information provided by the Attorney General, as it is incorrect.”

The court then attempted to establish the source of the misinformation. Mr Ruprah, Deputy Advocate General, defended the Office's actions, stating that it was believed that the information was authentic and had been provided to the court out of obligation.

Justice Sanjay Dwivedi therefore directed the Advocate General’s office to file an affidavit detailing the source of the false information.

He explained: “Considering the submissions and after perusing the affidavit, Shri Ruprah, Deputy Attorney General is directed to seek information from the source who provided this information as to what was the basis of this information and who forwarded this information to the Office of the Attorney General so that appropriate action may be taken against the officer concerned.”

The Supreme Court's earlier order protected Dr. Lall from coercive action and was to remain in force until the next hearing.

Dr. Ajai Lall was charged with human trafficking and the use of false documents for the purpose of adoption and alleged conversion of children.

The FIR registered by the Damoh police brought a closer look at his activities, not only as a hospital operator but also as the head of a nursing school and a children's home run by Aadharshila.

Case Title: DR. AJAI LALL VS. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND OTHERS

Case number: WP No. 23048/2024

Click here to read/download the order