Bail Granted Considering Prior NDPS Case Bail, Custody Period, and Filing of Police Report
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Bikram Singh Majithia in a high-profile disproportionate assets case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The decision was rendered by a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta. The court's decision took into account several factors, including Majithia's prior bail in a related NDPS case, his extended custody period, and the filing of the police report under Section 173(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973.
The petitioner, Bikram Singh Majithia, had been in custody for seven months concerning the case, which pertains to allegations of amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income during the check period from 2007 to 2017. The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged in 2025, initiating the legal proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
In the order, the Supreme Court highlighted that Majithia had previously secured bail in an NDPS matter, a decision that was upheld as the State of Punjab's special leave petition was dismissed by the court in 2025. Emphasizing the principles of justice, the Supreme Court directed that Majithia be released on bail under terms and conditions to be determined by the Trial Court.
However, the court allowed the prosecution to request the imposition of stringent conditions on Majithia's bail to ensure the integrity of the trial process. The Supreme Court also mandated that Majithia must cooperate with the trial proceedings. In the event of any delay attributed to him, the Trial Court or the State has the liberty to inform the Supreme Court for further orders.
This ruling comes as a notable decision in the legal proceedings against Majithia, with the court balancing the rights of the accused with the necessity for a fair trial. The order concludes the Special Leave Petition and all pending applications related to the case.
Bottom Line:
Bail granted to the petitioner in a disproportionate assets case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, considering prior bail in an NDPS matter, period of custody, and filing of Police Report under Section 173(2) Cr.P.C.
Statutory provision(s): Section 173(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973; Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
Bikram Singh Majithia v. State of Punjab, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2847772
