Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Plea By HDFC Bank CEO For Quashing FIR By Lilavati Hospital

The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a plea by Sashidhar Jagdishan, CEO and MD of HDFC Bank, challenging the FIR registered against him on a complaint by the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, since the matter is listed before the Bombay High Court on 14 July.

Jagdishan has been accused of accepting bribes of Rs. 2.05 crore and of cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal breach of trust by a public servant or banker.

A Bench of Justice P S Narasimha and Justice R Mahadevan observed, “We sympathise with your situation. We understand that several benches recused, and your petition was listed repeatedly but could not be heard. However, now that it is listed, it would be improper for us to intervene.”

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohtagi, appearing for the HDFC Bank's CEO, submitted, “For last three weeks we haven’t got a hearing at the High Court and now the problem is, I am the MD of the HDFC Bank and I have nothing to do with the interested disputes of Lilavati trustees. Now I am being roped in, the bank is suffering… I want interim protection till the matter is heard.”

After hearing these submissions, Justice Narasimha commented, “What do you want us to do? Your case is listed on 14th July, go ahead.”

Senior Advocate Rohtagi expressed his concerns that the case might not be heard on the said date. He further submitted, “A frivolous FIR lodged against the MD of the Bank because of personal disputes. I am saying no proceedings should be taken against me.”

The Court remarked, “All that you should argue before the High Court Mr. Rohtagi, not here.”

Later, Rohtagi argued that the Bank’s reputation is suffering every day and that he apprehends that SashidharJagdishan will be summoned to the Police Station, which will create havoc for the Bank. Thus, no proceedings should be taken against the MD.

"Two things, firstly, from the merits of the matter we will not apply our mind. Second, the case is listed on 14th July, there is no dispute about that fact”, the Bench said.

Rohtagi further expressed his concern that the matter might not be heard on the designated date. However, the Court was not inclined and proceeded to pass its order.

The Court ordered, “We are informed that the matter is listed for hearing on July 14. Therefore, there is no occasion for us to entertain this special leave petition. We have noted that the case was initially listed for hearing on 18.06.25, 20.06.25, 25.06.25 and also 26.06.25. We hope and trust that the matter will be taken up on the designated date, that is on 14th of July 2025."

Cause Title: Sashidhar Jagdishan V. State of Maharashtra & Ors. (SLP(Crl) No. 9602/2025 II-A)