BALJIT SINGH SANDHU Vs. CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned counsel for the parties. The petitioner has filed the application (Annexure P-1) seeking permission to go abroad from 22.11.2009 to 15.12.2009 to attend Seminars/Official work concerned with the affairs of the Company of the applicant. A list of immovable property (Annexure P-2) was filed. The learned Special Judge, CBI, Punjab, Patiala vide order dated 18.11.2009 (Annexure P-3) granted permission to go abroad. However, the petitioner was asked to furnish personal bonds in the sum of Rs.1 crore with bank guarantee of the similar amount.

(2.) Aggrieved against the condition with regard to furnishing bank guarantee for a sum of Rs.1 crore, the petitioner has filed the present petition seeking setting aside the aforesaid condition as recorded in the order dated 18.11..2009 (Annexure P-3).

(3.) Learned counsel for CBI has opposed the application and submitted that in the facts and circumstances, the said condition is absolutely reasonable and the same is not liable to be revoked. After giving my thoughtful consideration to the matter, in my view the condition with regard to furnishing of bank guarantee of Rs.1 crore would be highly excessive. It may not be possible for a person to furnish a bank guarantee of Rs.1 crore as a deposit of said amount with the bank may be asked for. Besides pledging immovable property which is equivalent to the said amount would be sufficient for the said purpose.