The Orissa High Court on Monday reserved its order on the bail application plea made by mine owner Deepak Gupta, who is now in jail after he was arrested by the State vigilance sleuths in September last year.
A single-judge bench of Justice Debabrata Dash reserved his order after hearing both the counsels of Gupta and the State vigilance department.
Appearing for Mr. Gupta, eminent criminal lawyer Ram Jethmalani argued that since charge sheet in the case has already been filed the question of bail to the arrested person has to be considered.
Mr. Jethmalani further argued that when the original lessee of the concerned mines has already been released on bail, why the same relief would not be granted to his client, who had only power of attorney on the mines.
But opposing to the bail application of Mr. Gupta, the vigilance counsel S K Padhy pointed out that ever since his bail application was rejected by the lower court, there has been no change in the situation so far.
Keeping the judgment reserved to be delivered at a later date, the High Court however, allowed the vigilance counsel to file a written note of his argument.
It may be noted here that corruption cases under Prevention of Corruption Act were registered against Mr. Gupta and some directors of his Steel and Power Company for illegal mining of iron ore in Ulibur mines of Keonjhar district.
Mr. Gupta was also arrested under several sections of IPC, MMDR Act and Forest Conservation Act.
(Source: PTI)
