AVNEESH JHINGAN, J

1. Due to COVID-19 situation, the Court is convened through Video Conference.

2. This petition under Section 439 Cr.P.C is filed seeking regular bail in FIR No. 9, dated 15th April, 2019, under Sections 13(1)(B) read with 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 registered at Police Station Vigilance Bureau Range Amritsar, District Amritsar.

3. The petitioner was working as Inspector in Punjab Roadways Department. The allegation in the FIR is of amassing disproportionate assets than his known source of income.

4. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is in custody since 22nd February, 2021. The investigation is complete and challan stands presented. No recovery is to be made.

5. Learned State counsel opposes the prayer for grant of regular bail on the ground that the petitioner is involved in five more cases and out of which one is under Section 7 and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

6. The investigation of the case is complete and challan stands presented. The conclusion of trial is likely to take time. Merely the petitioner is involved in some more cases itself would not be a ground to deprive him of his personal liberty. Moreover the case is primarily based upon documentary evidence. The petitioner is granted bail on furnishing surety bonds to the satisfaction of the Chief Judicial Magistrate/Duty Magistrate concerned.

7. The petition is allowed.

8. It is clarified that the observations made hereinabove shall not be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case.