New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday refused to stay the non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against businessman Ratul Puri.

Delhi High Court had on Wednesday directed that no coercive action can be taken against Puri in the case

Puri, who is a relative of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, had knocked on the court’s doors seeking cancellation or staying of the NBW issued against him in connection with a money laundering case related to the AgustaWestland deal.

Special CBI Judge sought the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) response on Puri’s petition filed through his counsel Vijay Aggarwal, but refused to stay the NBW.

During the course of the hearing, Aggarwal said: “I got interim protection from the High Court on 13th, sent them a mail on 14th mentioning that I am willing to join the investigation on 15th. We sent a similar mail today as well.”

“If they had called me and I had sat there, as far as my understanding goes the warrant would have lapsed,” he added.

“I’m calling him everyday, but he didn’t come then. Now, he wants to come on August 15, which is a national holiday. This is just an attempt to confuse the court by filing multiple applications,” said Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh countering Aggarwal’s submissions.

The Delhi High Court had on Wednesday directed that no coercive action can be taken against Puri in the case. It however, granted the ED the liberty to join the investigation if required.