Chandigarh Court Grants Regular Bail to Harpreet Singh Gulati in Vigilance Case
The court of additional sessions judge Hardip Singh in Chandigarh has granted regular bail to Harpreet Singh Gulati, who was implicated in a vigilance case connected to former Punjab minister and Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia. This significant legal development occurred on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation.
Bail Conditions and Court Directives
Granting the bail on a bond of Rs 1 lakh, the court issued strict directives to ensure compliance during the trial proceedings. Gulati has been ordered to surrender his passport immediately to prevent any potential flight risk. Furthermore, the court emphasized that he must cooperate fully with the investigative authorities and the judicial process, underscoring the importance of transparency and adherence to legal protocols.
Defense Arguments and Legal Submissions
The bail order followed persuasive submissions by Gulati's counsel, advocate Charanjit Singh Bakhshi, who presented a robust defense. Bakhshi argued that his client had been falsely implicated in the case, despite having previously cooperated with investigators as a prosecution witness. He contended that Gulati had furnished all necessary financial records to the vigilance bureau and was originally cited as a witness before being unjustly arrested.
Bakhshi stressed that the agency's actions amounted to a fresh investigation, which he deemed impermissible under existing law. He cited multiple Supreme Court judgments to support this claim, highlighting legal precedents that restrict such investigative overreach. The defense maintained that Gulati has clean antecedents and played no role in routing any illegal funds, asserting his innocence throughout the proceedings.
Court Observations and Final Decision
After carefully considering all arguments, the court observed that the investigation against the accused was complete. It noted that further custody would serve no constructive purpose, as the necessary inquiries had already been concluded. This observation was crucial in the court's rationale for granting bail, reflecting a balanced approach to justice.
Following a thorough hearing of all pleas, the court ultimately granted bail to Gulati, allowing him temporary relief while the trial continues. This decision underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding individual rights while ensuring that legal processes are followed meticulously.
