MANUBHAI VALJIBHAI TEJOT Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an application by the applicant under Sec. 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 for anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest in connection with FIR registered at C.R.No.I-05 of 2022 before Ahmedabad Zone Police Station, Ahmedabad for the offence under Ss. 167, 406, 409, 420, 465, 467, 468 , 470, 471, 477(k), 120B, 114, etc. of the Indian Penal Code and Ss. 13(1) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

(2.) Learned advocate appearing on behalf of the applicant would submit that the applicant is innocent and falsely implicated in the alleged offence. He submitted that the applicant had retired in the year 2018 and the FIR is filed after five years i.e. in the year 2022. He submitted that the applicant has a blotless career of more than 39 years. He submitted that the applicant is a senior citizen and ready and willing to deposit any amount as may be deemed fit by this Court. He further submitted that the applicant had personally remained present before the concerned Investigating Officer as directed by the Co- ordinate Bench of this Court vide order dtd. 22/6/2022 and his statement is also recorded. He, therefore, submitted that considering the nature of offence, the applicant may be enlarged on anticipatory bail by imposing suitable conditions.

(3.) On the other hand, the learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondent-State has opposed this application and granting anticipatory bail to the applicant looking to the nature and gravity of the offence.