Himachal Pradesh HC Grants Bail to IAS Officer Harikesh Meena in Vimal Negi Suicide Case; CBI Probe to Continue
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has granted bail to IAS officer Harikesh Meena in the alleged abetment to suicide case of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, while clarifying that the CBI investigation will continue.
Delivering its order, a single bench of Justice Virender Singh observed that the investigation carried out so far had failed to establish Meena’s prima facie involvement in the matter. The court noted that no direct or proximate act attributable to Meena had been shown which could constitute abetment to suicide, even though the probe remains ongoing.
Case Background
On March 18, the body of Vimal Negi was recovered, leading to registration of an FIR against Meena and two other HPPCL officials.
Negi’s widow alleged workplace harassment and approached the High Court seeking transfer of the probe to an independent agency.
Acting on her plea, the High Court handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Following the FIR, Meena was transferred from his post as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of HPPCL and later posted as Director, Youth Services and Sports by the Congress-led state government.
Court’s Observations
The bench emphasized that seriousness of allegations alone cannot justify denial of liberty, particularly when custodial interrogation was not shown to be necessary.
It noted that documentary evidence had already been seized by investigators.
The court also extended the benefit of parity, citing that co-accused Desh Raj, former HPPCL Director (Electrical), had earlier been granted bail by the Supreme Court.
Bail Conditions
Meena must cooperate with the ongoing CBI investigation.
He cannot leave the country during the bail period.
He must furnish a bail bond of ₹50,000 to the satisfaction of the investigating officer.
Any violation of bail conditions could lead to cancellation of bail.
Significance of the Order
The High Court clarified that all observations are confined to the bail stage and will not influence the trial on merits. The CBI probe into the circumstances leading to Vimal Negi’s death will continue independently.
This decision underscores the judiciary’s balance between safeguarding individual liberty and ensuring accountability in sensitive cases involving allegations of workplace harassment and abetment to suicide.
