HC Junks Pre-Arrest Bail Plea of HPPCL Director

Court says granting relief to application will have an 'adverse impact' on staffers' ability to speak up against their superior

- Shailee Dogra

SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh high court on Wednesday dismissed the anticipatory bail filed by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) director (Electrical) Desh Raj, named as an accused in the abetment to suicide case registered over death of HPPCL chief engineer-cum-general manager Vimal Negi.

In case relief is granted to the applicant, it will cause an adverse impact upon his subordinates' (ability) to speak against their superior officer. Mere transfer of the applicant is not sufficient to create a sense of security among the persons who will be inquired, justice Virender Singh said while dismissing the plea. According to police, accused Desh Raj is absconding.

"Even otherwise, custodial interrogation is more result-oriented than the investigation from a person...," the order added.