Patna High Court
Manoj KumarversusThe State of Bihar
- Decided
- Disposal
- BAIL GRANTED
- Bench
- SANDEEP KUMAR
Holding
Bail is granted to the petitioner.
Summary
Manoj Kumar, a data entry operator, was arrested on 9 October 2025 for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs.20,000 and charged under Sections 7(a) and 7(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. He had been in judicial custody for more than five months when he applied for bail. The petitioner’s counsel argued that he was innocent, had not attempted to tamper with evidence, and that continued detention was excessive. The vigilance department opposed the bail, citing the seriousness of the alleged corruption offence. The court, after considering the lack of evidence of tampering and the prolonged custody, allowed the bail application. The petitioner was ordered to be released on a bail bond of Rs.10,000 with two sureties of the same amount, subject to the satisfaction of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Patna.
Issues considered
- Whether bail should be granted to the accused under Sections 7(a) and 7(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act given the facts of the case
- Whether the accused poses a risk of fleeing or tampering with evidence
Legislation cited
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 — s. 7(a), 7(b)
Subjects
- bail
- Prevention of Corruption Act
- bribery
- criminal procedure
- custody
- surety
Judgment
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA
CRIMINAL MISCELLANEOUS No.7445 of 2026
Arising Out of PS. Case No.-88 Year-2025 Thana- VIGILANCE District- Patna
======================================================
Manoj Kumar S/o Late Dev Narayan Singh Resident of village - Deo,
Secretariate Treasury office, Vishwasaiya Bhawan, Permanent resident of -
Anandpuri, P.S.- Partliputra, District - Patna
... ... Petitioner/s
Versus
1. The State of Bihar Bihar
2. Dy. S.P, Vigilance Investigation Bureau, 6 - Circular Road, Patna, Bihar
Bihar
... ... Opposite Party/s
======================================================
Appearance :
For the Petitioner/s : Mr. P.N. Shahi, Sr. Adv.
Mr.Dewanand Tiwari
For the Opposite Party/s : Mr.Md. Fahimuddin
Mr. Jharkhandi Upadhyay
For the Vigilance Dept. : Mr. Rana Vikram Singh, Law Officer, Vigilance.
======================================================
CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE SANDEEP KUMAR
ORAL ORDER
3 26-03-2026 Heard the parties.
2. The petitioner seeks bail in connection with Spl.
Case No. 61 of 2025 arising out of Vigilance P.S. Case No. 88 of
2025 registered for the offence under Sections 7(a), 7(b) of the
PC Act.
3. As per the prosecution case, the petitioner, who
is a data entry operator, was caught red handed accepting bribe
of Rs. 20,000/-.
4. The petitioner is in custody since 9.10.2025.
5. Learned senior counsel for the petitioner submits
that the petitioner is innocent and he has remained in judicial
Patna High Court CR. MISC. No.7445 of 2026(3) dt.26-03-2026
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custody for more than 5 months. He further submits that there is
not allegation against the petitioner that he has tried to tamper
with the evidence.
6. Learned counsel for the Vigilance Department
has opposed the application of the petitioner.
7. Considering the aforesaid facts, this application
is allowed.
8. Let the petitioner, above named, be released on
bail on furnishing bail bond of Rs. 10,000/- (Ten Thousand)
with two sureties of the like amount each to the satisfaction of
the learned Special Judge, Vigilance, Patna/concerned Court
below in connection with Spl. Case No. 61 of 2025 arising out
of Vigilance P.S. Case No. 88 of 2025.
(Sandeep Kumar, J)
Vikas/-
U
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