Gujarat High Court Grants Bail to College Watchman in Ahmedabad Bribery Case
The Gujarat High Court has granted bail to a watchman employed at Ved Shree MM Patel College of Education, located in the Gulbai Tekra area of Ahmedabad. The watchman was arrested earlier this month for allegedly accepting a bribe on behalf of a college trustee.
Details of the Bribery Incident and Arrest
Anti-corruption sleuths from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) apprehended the watchman, identified as Murlimanohar Jadola, while he was in the act of accepting a bribe of Rs 3 lakh. The bribe was reportedly demanded by trustee Timir Amin from the former principal of the college to facilitate the clearance of retirement dues. Following the arrest, both Jadola and Amin were booked under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Arguments
Jadola sought bail from the Gujarat High Court through his legal representative, advocate Parthveer Charan. The defense argued that given the limited role attributed to Jadola and the nature of the allegations against him, detaining him indefinitely would serve no useful purpose. In contrast, the state government opposed the bail plea, emphasizing the seriousness of the corruption charges.
After carefully considering the arguments from both sides, Justice Nikhil Kariel presided over the hearing. The court observed that the primary accusation involved trustee Timir Amin, who was alleged to have demanded the bribe from the former principal to process pension papers. Jadola was merely caught accepting the bribe upon the trustee's explicit instructions.
Court's Rationale for Granting Bail
In its ruling, the court highlighted Jadola's position as a watchman within the institution, stating, "Considering the position the applicant holds in the institution, i.e., of watchman, to this court, it would appear that he was strictly adhering to the instructions of the trustee and, whereas, he had no role to play in the principal conspiracy." This assessment formed the cornerstone of the decision to grant bail.
Bail Conditions and Implications
The High Court granted bail to Jadola subject to specific conditions. He is required to furnish a personal bond of Rs 5,000 along with a surety of an equal amount. This development underscores the judiciary's nuanced approach in distinguishing between primary conspirators and those acting under duress or instruction in corruption cases.
The case continues to unfold, with further legal proceedings expected against the trustee and other involved parties. This incident sheds light on the pervasive issue of corruption within educational institutions and the legal complexities surrounding such cases.
