High Court dismisses Indira Gandhi’s second bid to cite IGP for contempt

PETALING JAYA: The Ipoh High Court today dismissed M Indira Gandhi’s application for leave to initiate contempt proceedings against the inspector-general of police and several others over their alleged failure to trace her ex-husband, Riduan Abdullah, formerly known as K Pathmanathan, as she seeks to recover their daughter.

Bernama reported that Justice Norsharidah Awang made the decision after hearing submissions from both parties, with no order as to costs.

She said the evidence presented showed that investigations had been initiated and were still ongoing.

“The court is unable to conclude that the proposed contemnors have failed or refused to comply with the court’s directions, as the very investigation ordered by the court has yet to be completed.

“The court finds that the evidence relied upon by the applicant, including Riduan’s alleged use of the RM100 SARA and BUDI95 aid, is insufficient to establish a prima facie case warranting leave to commence committal proceedings against the proposed contemnors,” she said.

Indira filed her second application on Nov 17 last year, seeking permission to initiate committal proceedings against the IGP, alleging delays in locating Riduan despite information suggesting he had accessed government aid that could help trace him.

She previously filed a similar application in October 2020, which was dismissed by the Ipoh High Court in 2022.

The Court of Appeal also rejected her appeal against that decision on April 5, 2024, citing a Federal Court ruling on conflicting custody orders by the civil and shariah courts.

During judicial monitoring proceedings, federal counsel Safiyyah Omar said police had reviewed information obtained from EPF regarding withdrawals made by Riduan.

She said two employer addresses linked to Riduan and his wife had been identified in Kelantan, and that further action was being taken.

Indira’s counsel Harsimran Kaur, however, questioned the delay in initiating investigations, saying only the wife’s employer details had been checked so far.

Investigating officer Yap Siew Cheng said the probe was ongoing and required more time.

The court fixed Nov 27 for police to update the court on the progress of investigations.