In a plea for anticipatory bail filed by a CRPF personnel facing a decade-long investigation, the Supreme Court has granted interim protection to prevent his arrest. The petitioner is accused of using a forged medical certificate to secure employment with the Armed Forces, from which he was subsequently discharged before joining the Central Reserve Police Force. The investigation into this matter began in 2014, during which time the petitioner has not been arrested.
Initially denied by the Jharkhand High Court due to the serious nature of the allegations and potential need for custodial interrogation, the petitioner appealed this decision to the Supreme Court.
Arguing on behalf of the petitioner, counsel contended that anticipatory bail should be granted as the petitioner is not named in the FIR and is willing to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, asserting the allegations are false.
Acknowledging the prolonged investigation period, a Vacation bench comprising Justices Rajesh Bindal and Prasanna B Varale issued notice to the State and provided interim relief from arrest to the petitioner. The Court stipulated that the interim protection would be subject to review upon the petitioner's participation in the investigation and the discovery of any incriminating evidence against him.
