Bail refused in recruitment corruption probe as alleged network, witness risk and investigation needs justified continued custody

Bail was refused during ongoing further investigation into alleged corruption in primary teacher recruitment, where the accused was described as playing a central role in collecting illegal gratification through agents and facilitating wrongful appointments. The Court considered the material to indicate a deep-rooted corruption network and noted that the allegations could extend beyond section 7A to graver offences under section 7 read with section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Because the gravity of the alleged public corruption, the need to protect the investigation, the prospect of tracing proceeds of crime, and the risk of witness or candidate influence justified continued custody, bail was rejected at that stage.

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Issues: Whether bail should be granted to the accused during ongoing further investigation in a case involving alleged corruption, illegal gratification and illegal appointments.

Analysis: The allegations disclosed a deep-rooted corruption network in the primary teacher recruitment process, with the accused playing a central role in collecting illegal gratification through agents and sub-agents and facilitating wrongful appointments. The Court noted that the material on record indicated offences going beyond section 7A and could also attract graver offences under section 7 read with section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Given the gravity of corruption in public appointments, the need to protect the ongoing investigation, the likelihood of tracing the proceeds of crime, and the possibility of the accused influencing witnesses or candidates, continued custody was considered necessary.

Conclusion: Bail was not warranted at this stage and the prayer for bail was rejected.

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