The Bombay High Court has set aside a non-bailable warrant issued against Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal in connection with a 2019 tax evasion case.
The bench of Justice Advait M. Sethna, presiding as a vacation judge, quashed the warrant issued by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, 38th Court at Ballard Pier, stating that the order was passed without due application of judicial mind and pertained to a bailable offence.
The High Court passed the order on May 16 while hearing Rampal’s plea challenging two key decisions — the initiation of proceedings in December 2019 and the subsequent issuance of a non-bailable warrant dated April 9, 2025.
Rampal is facing prosecution under Section 276C(2) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, which pertains to wilful attempts to evade payment of taxes and carries a maximum punishment of three years’ imprisonment.
Justice Sethna observed that the warrant was issued despite Rampal’s counsel having submitted a vakalatnama and an application for exemption from personal appearance on the same day. He held that the magistrate’s order was devoid of reasoning, lacked judicial consideration, and appeared to be passed in a mechanical manner.
“The learned Magistrate, however, not taking into consideration such position, has mechanically passed the order issuing the non-bailable warrant against the petitioner in a bailable offence,” the High Court noted. “No reasons are recorded. It is a cryptic order which lacks application of mind. This would cause prejudice to the petitioner, given the facts and circumstances.”
While the Income Tax Department initially sought time to obtain instructions, it did not oppose the limited relief sought by Rampal. The High Court accordingly quashed the April 9 order but clarified that the trial proceedings before the Magistrate will continue in accordance with the law.
The case has now been scheduled for further hearing on June 16 before the regular bench, where the actor’s challenge to the original issuance of process in 2019 will be considered. The Court directed the Income Tax Department to file its response before the next hearing and provide an advance copy to Rampal’s legal team.
Rampal, known for his roles in films like Don (2006), Om Shanti Om (2007), and Raajneeti (2010), has maintained that the warrant was unjustified and that due legal procedures were not followed.
Case Details
Case Title: Arjun Amarjeet Rampal Vs. Income Tax Department & Anr.
Case No.: Writ Petition No. 2579 Of 2025
Date: 16 May 2025
Counsel For Petitioner: Swapnil Ambure
Counsel For Respondent: Sandeep Gupta
Read More: ED Officials Don’t Charge Bribe In Lakhs But In Crores
