Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 11: Judicial Magistrate (Munsiff) Jammu, Parveen Pandoh today granted interim bail to Rajni Seghal, who was booked by the Crime Branch for alleged misappropriation of precious ‘gold coins’ belonging to Medieval Period which were recovered from the premises of Central Jail at Kot Bhalwal in 2012.
After hearing Advocate RK Kotwal for the applicant whereas CPO Rajesh Bakshi for the State, Parveen Pandoh observed, “law is well settled that bail is the rule and jail is exception. The material witnesses in the case are the convicts lodged in the Central Jail Kot Bhalwal Jammu and applicant is no more incharge of the Central Jail as such the possibility of tampering the prosecution witnesses can be ruled out”.
“Section 497 of Cr.PC provides that a bail can be granted in offences punishable with death to women, children, sick or inform person. Accused is presumed to be innocent till her guilt is proved. Bail cannot be refused as a measure of punishment. Keeping in view the facts and discussion, court is of the opinion that discretion available under Section 497 CrPC can be exercised in favour of applicant”, Judicial Magistrate said.
Accordingly, applicant was directed to be released on interim bail subject to furnishing bail bond and personal bond to the tune of Rs 50,000 to the satisfaction of the court. The court, however, made it clear that applicant shall cooperate with the investigating agency as and when called and shall not hamper/tamper with the prosecution evidence in any manner.
Follow our WhatsApp channel