Delhi HC Grants Bail in CBI Corruption Case, Cites Lack of Recovery, Missing Public Servant Link

The Delhi High Court has granted regular bail in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case alleging a conspiracy involving impersonation of public officials and payment of illegal gratification, observing that the prosecution failed to establish key foundational elements at the stage of bail. The bench of Justice Ajay Digpaul noted the absence of recovery from the applicant, inconsistencies in the prosecution’s narrative, and the selective arrest of certain accused while others allegedly occupying pivotal roles remain at large. The case arises from an FIR registered by the CBI alleging that private individuals impersonated senior government functionaries and induced another private party to part with money on the assurance that officials would be influenced to “settle” an investigation. According to the prosecution, a raid conducted by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), Jaipur, triggered demands for payment, following which money was allegedly routed through hawala channels from Jaipur to Delhi for delivery to the main accused. The prosecution alleged that part of the amount was received in Delhi and later delivered at the residence of one of the co-accused. However, it was an admitted position that no money was recovered from the bail applicant at the time of arrest and that the alleged cash recovery was effected from the premises of another accused. While opposing bail, the CBI contended that the matter disclosed a wider conspiracy involving impersonation of public officials and transfer of bribe money to influence public servants. Reliance was placed on intercepted communications and surveillance to argue that the accused persons coordinated the movement and delivery of illegal gratification. The agency further submitted that the investigation was still ongoing, with multiple accused yet to be apprehended and the financial trail under examination. On the other hand, the defence argued that the very foundation of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act was missing, as there was no allegation of demand or acceptance of a bribe by any identified public servant. It was emphasised that neither a named nor an unnamed public servant was attributed any role in the FIR. The defence also highlighted that the role attributed to the bail applicant was limited to being a carrier of money, without any allegation or material suggesting knowledge that the money constituted illegal gratification. The Court noted that several individuals who, as per the prosecution’s own case, formed crucial links in the alleged chain of events—such as those who allegedly received or routed the money at earlier stages—had neither been arrested nor even named as accused. This selective arrest, the Court observed, assumed significance while considering the bail plea, particularly when custodial interrogation of the applicant was stated to be no longer necessary. The High Court further took note of inconsistencies regarding the amount allegedly received and delivered, observing that the prosecution had not explained the variance in figures at different stages. The absence of any recovery from the applicant and the lack of specific intercepted conversations showing conscious involvement in bribery or influence over public servants were also weighed in favour of granting bail. Holding that continued incarceration would amount to pre-trial punishment, especially when the allegations against the applicant were circumstantial and inferential, the Court allowed the bail application. Bail was granted subject to conditions, including restrictions on travel, cooperation with the investigation, and a direction not to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence. The Court clarified that its observations were confined to the consideration of the bail application and would not have any bearing on the merits of the case during trial. Case Details Case Title: Jagjit Singh Versus CBI Case No.: BAIL APPLN. 4724/2025 & CRL.M.(BAIL) 2408/2025 Date: 19.12.2025 Counsel For Petitioner: Anurag Ahluwalia, Sr. Adv. Counsel For Respondent: Anupam S. Sharma Click Here To Read Order Read More: Sunglasses Not ‘Spectacles’ Under VAT Law; 12.5% Residuary Tax Upheld: Punjab & Haryana High Court

Delhi HC Grants Bail in CBI Corruption Case, Cites Lack of Recovery, Missing Public Servant Link

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