JAMMU: Nine days after he was arrested from Rajasthan in connection with derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, brother of former BJP minister Choudhary Lal Singh has been granted bail by Principal Sessions Judge Kathua.
The accused has been directed to appear before Investigative Officer on Wednesday, as well on days subsequent as and when his presence is required in connection with the investigation of the case. On May 20th Swabhimaan rally organised by Lal, his brother Rajinder Singh had used obscene language on loud speaker against the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and also used derogatory words in shameful manner to instigate the general public in order to insult the modesty of Chief Minister.
On the aforesaid allegations, FIR No. 87/2018 for offence U/Ss 501/509 RPC and 66/67 of I.T. Act was registered by Police Station, Hiranagar, against him. However, the accused had been absconding for days together before he was arrested by a special team of state police from Rajasthan on June 10.
On Tuesday, Principal Sessions Judge Kathua Sanjeev Gupta granted bail to Singh after counsel for him and the state
Considering the prayer for bail, judge said a balance has to be struck between two factors namely, no prejudice should be caused to the free, fair and full investigation and there should be prevention of harassment, humiliation and unjustified detention of the accused. Court further observed that keeping in view the fact that sufficient time has been availed by the investigating agency for custodial interrogation of the petitioner/accused, who remained in police custody for about one week in the course of which his voice sample has been obtained, I think a case has been made out by the petitioner/accused for grant of regular bail. With these observations Court granted bail. However, the petitioner/accused, for the purposes of investigation, appear before the I.O on tomorrow i.e. 20.06.2018 at 10.00 AM and thereafter as and when required to do so in connection with the investigation of the case.
Meanwhile in a petition filed by Rajinder Singh seeking quashment of FIR, today Vacation Judge of J&K High Court Justice Sanjeev Kumar after hearing Sr. Adv BS Salathia with Adv Jagpal Singh for the petitioner whereas AAG LK Moza for the State directed counsel for the state to produce the CD file in the Court on next date failing which matter shall be considered finally.
