On Wednesday, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Ankit Tiwari, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer arrested by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in December last year over bribery accusations.
The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday has granted interim bail to Ankit Tiwari, an officer of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), entangled in a bribery scandal. The allegations against Tiwari include demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20 lakh from a government doctor to settle a disproportionate assets case. This judicial decision marks a pivotal moment in a case that has caught the public eye due to its implications on governance and corruption.
During the court proceedings, a bench led by Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan examined the nuances of the case. Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Amit Anand Tiwari represented the Tamil Nadu government, highlighting the complexities surrounding the bail denial on December 20, 2023. The defense’s argument was met with scrutiny, particularly concerning the availability of the paper book, leading to a contentious debate.
The Supreme Court bench critically evaluated the arguments from both sides. Justice Surya Kant remarked on the need for a comprehensive set of paper-books and outlined the subsequent steps, stating,
“The counsel for the petitioner agrees to handover a complete set of paper-books including the fresh petition filed by him by tomorrow and the counter affidavit will be filed by state within two weeks.”
The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense, with both parties presenting their cases fervently.
In a moment that shifted the scales, Justice Kant announced,
“We are granting interim bail,”
which was acknowledged by Sibal with a reserved acceptance,
“that is ok, if your lordship is granting….”
Anand Tiwari, representing the state, concurred,
“we are not coming in way…”.
Bail Conditions and Restrictions
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The bench laid down specific conditions for Ankit Tiwari’s interim bail, emphasizing the importance of fair trial and evidence preservation. Justice Kant mandated,
“Meanwhile, the petitioner is directed to be released on interim bail subject to furnishing bail bonds to the trial court….”
Furthermore, it was stressed that Tiwari must not contact witnesses or leave his current station without court permission, encapsulating the court’s cautious approach:
“He shall deposit his passport, if any…”,
as articulated by the bench.
Background of the Case
The backdrop of this judicial interim relief is Ankit Tiwari’s arrest by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on December 1, 2023. The allegations against him involve a significant bribe from Dr. Suresh Babu, highlighting a larger narrative of corruption and ethical degradation within governmental bodies. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court previously dismissed Tiwari’s plea for statutory bail, intensifying the legal battle and the scrutiny surrounding it.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant interim bail to Ankit Tiwari adds a new chapter to this unfolding legal saga. It reflects the judiciary’s balancing act between upholding individual rights and ensuring justice in the face of corruption allegations. As this case progresses, it remains a focal point for discussions on corruption, governance, and the role of judicial oversight in India.
