You are trying to prolong extradition, HC tells Kohli

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday pulled up Maninder Pal Singh Kohli, accused in British teenager Hannah Foster rape and murder case, for resorting to the delaying tactics to prolong his extradition to the United Kingdom to face the trial.

"Your review petition is just an attempt to somehow prolong the extradition," a Bench comprising Justice Mukul Mudgal and Justice P K Bhasin said while reserving the order which is to be pronounced tomorrow.

The court also refused to accept Kohli's contention that he would not get fair trial in Britain as there is bias against Asian community.

The Bench was also critical for the inconsistency in Kohli's stand and said, "your only point of argument was pertaining to the observation made by the extradition Magistrate. No other plea was raised and you did not challenge the order when the matter had come before us, but now you have raised new grounds."

The Bench was also not satisfied with the contention of the accused that fair trial was not possible as people in the UK were biased against asian community.

"If there is any bias, then why did you go to the United Kingdom. You worked there and you enjoyed the British working condition. Why this sudden fascination with the Indian Court," the Bench observed while reserving the verdict on review petition.

Kohli moved the High Court after the Supreme Court on July 20 had declined to entertain Kohli's petition challenging extradition and directed him to approach the High Court for the review of the order.