Supreme Court Questions UP Police Over Failure to Arrest Businessman Satinder Singh Bhasin

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the failure of Uttar Pradesh Police to arrest businessman Satinder Singh Bhasin, despite directions for his immediate surrender following the cancellation of his bail.

A bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh questioned the police authorities on why Bhasin had not been taken into custody even after he failed to surrender. The Court went on to observe that the conduct of the police gave an impression of possible collusion with the accused.

During the hearing, the Court also referred to Article 144 of the Constitution of India, which mandates that all authorities, civil and judicial, must act in aid of the Supreme Court’s orders. While the State authorities sought additional time to execute the arrest, the Court granted them time and posted the matter for further hearing on Monday.

Background of the Case The bench was hearing a miscellaneous application in a writ petition filed by Bhasin, whose bail had recently been cancelled for failing to comply with earlier court directions.

The case arises out of the ‘Grand Venice’ project, which involved a mall and a commercial tower. Around 63 FIRs were registered in connection with the project across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Bhasin has been accused of non-delivery of residential units, siphoning of funds, and alleged collusion with state officials in irregular land allotments.

Earlier, by an order dated November 6, 2019, the Supreme Court had granted bail to Bhasin with specific conditions, including that he would make sincere efforts to settle the claims of aggrieved homebuyers. However, in October 2023, a group of allottees moved the Court seeking cancellation of his bail, alleging that he had failed to resolve their grievances.

They claimed that although settlement agreements were entered into with some buyers, possession of units was not handed over.

The applicants also alleged that Bhasin siphoned off company funds—reportedly amounting to around ₹50 crore—in an attempt to comply with court directions. Taking note of these violations, the Supreme Court earlier this month cancelled his bail, observing that he had neither honoured settlement commitments nor complied with financial conditions. The Court also noted that he had used company funds, instead of personal funds as directed, to deposit ₹50 lakh as part of the bail condition.

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