In some respite to India’s cheapest smartphone maker, the Allahabad High Court has granted interim relief to Ringing Bells Pvt Ltd – the Noida-based firm that created a global buzz after announcing the launch of the controversial Rs 251 Freedom 251 smartphone last month.
Also Read: No ‘Freedom’ for Freedom 251? FIR Lodged Against Ringing Bells
While hearing the plea, the division bench of Justice BK Narayan and Justice Shashi Kant ordered the UP state government to furnish a status report on an urgent basis by 5 April, further directing that no coercive steps be taken till then, against the three top accused – directors Mohit Goel and Dharna Garg and president Ashok Chadha.
Also Read: Freedom 251 Probe: ED Questions Ringing Bells Director Mohit Goel
The court also directed the petitioners to submit their passports to SSP Noida
within 24 hours.
According to lawyer Abhishek Vikram representing Ringing Bells, the three petitioners will “fully comply with the orders of the court by submitting their passport and will provide full cooperation to the investigation agency.”
Also Read: Is Ringing Bells Conning Customers With the Freedom 251?
We have nothing to hide. We are committed to (delivering) affordable smartphones to the people of this country and we shall achieve that. We will stick to fair practices and comply with regulations of our great country.Mohit Goel, Director, Ringing Bells Pvt Ltd
The company has made repeated promises to deliver the Freedom 251 phones to the first 50 lakh buyers by the end of June. They also decided to do away with online payment process and let the people buy it via cash on delivery only.
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