Interim protection from arrest may be granted with cooperation duties when similar petitions have already received prima facie relief.

Interim protection from arrest may be granted where coordinate Benches have already found prima facie substance in similar petitions and granted comparable relief. The Court distinguished broader restraint against interference with investigations and held that, once jurisdictional basis for interim relief exists, appropriate protective orders can still issue. It also relied on judicial propriety, noting that a contrary view should not be taken without hearing the petition on merits when several coordinate Benches had already extended similar protection. The petitioner was therefore given interim protection from arrest, subject to cooperation with the investigation, compliance with summons, attendance requirements, and directions relating to interrogation and recording of statements.

---

---

Issues: Whether interim protection from arrest should be granted in aid of the petition, and whether such protection could coexist with directions ensuring cooperation with the investigation.

Analysis: The order notes that coordinate Benches had already found prima facie substance in similar challenges and had granted interim protection. It distinguishes the reliance placed on the Supreme Court's observations on restraint in interfering with investigations, and holds that where a case for exercise of jurisdiction is found to exist, interim orders apposite in law may still be passed. The order further relies on judicial propriety, stating that a different view should not be taken without hearing the petition on merits when several coordinate Benches have already granted similar protection. On that basis, the order grants protection from arrest, while directing cooperation with the investigation and compliance with summons and attendance requirements.

Conclusion: Interim protection from arrest was granted in favour of the petitioner, along with ancillary directions to cooperate with the investigation.

Final Conclusion: The petitioner obtained interim protection from arrest, but remained bound to participate in the investigation and comply with the directions regulating interrogation and recording of statements.

Ratio Decidendi: Where coordinate Benches have already granted prima facie protection in similar matters, judicial propriety and self-restraint support extending comparable interim relief, provided the petitioner cooperates with the investigation.

---