Regular bail in corruption case granted where recovery alone was insufficient and tampering risk was addressed by conditions.

Regular bail was granted in a corruption case after the HC assessed the seriousness of the allegations, the recovery material, and the risks of absconding or interference with evidence. The court noted that although the alleged bribe amount was recovered from the applicant's office, there was no call record or transcript showing prior discussion with the main accused, and the WhatsApp messages did not refer to any bribe. Seizure of the mobile phone and laptop, the giving of voice samples, the applicant's Delhi residence and deep social roots, and the willingness to surrender the passport supported release on conditions to secure investigation and trial.

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Issues: Whether the applicant was entitled to regular bail in the corruption case, having regard to the nature of the allegations, the material collected during investigation, and the risk of absconding or tampering with evidence.

Analysis: The application was considered on the settled bail parameters, including the seriousness of the offence, the character of the evidence, the likelihood of fleeing from justice, and the possibility of interference with the prosecution. The material showed that the alleged bribe amount was recovered from the applicant's office, but there was no call record or transcript showing prior discussion between the applicant and the main accused, and the recovered WhatsApp messages also did not refer to any bribe. The applicant's mobile phone and laptop had been seized, voice samples had been given, and the apprehension of tampering was considered capable of being addressed by appropriate conditions. The applicant was also noted to be a resident of Delhi with deep roots in society and willing to surrender his passport.

Conclusion: Regular bail was granted to the applicant, subject to conditions including furnishing bond and surety, joining investigation as required, keeping contact details operational, not contacting witnesses or tampering with evidence, appearing before the trial court, and surrendering the passport.

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