Orissa High Court Allows ED Deputy Director 10-Day Bail to Visit Newborn Child While Regular Bail Plea Remains Pending
In a case that intertwines legal process with humanitarian concern, the Orissa High Court has granted 10 days of interim bail to Chintan Raghuvanshi, a 2013-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. He was rendering services in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as Deputy Director. He was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) last month May 30 in connection with a high-profile bribery case.
The interim relief was granted by Justice Gourishankar Satapathy on July 2, allowing Raghuvanshi temporary release from judicial custody to visit his newborn child, who was born on June 28, while his petition for regular bail remains under judicial consideration.
Background: Arrest and Legal Developments
Following his arrest, Raghuvanshi has been lodged in judicial custody. He had earlier approached the High Court seeking regular bail, citing the advanced pregnancy of his wife as a ground for leniency. However, by the time the court heard the matter, the child had already been born. Consequently, Raghuvanshi filed a separate interlocutory application requesting interim bail on humanitarian grounds, specifically to allow him to visit his newborn and support his family during this critical time.
CBI Opposition and Court’s Reasoning
The CBI’s counsel, Sarthak Nayak, opposed the interim bail plea, arguing that releasing the officer at this stage could risk interference with the ongoing investigation. However, Justice Satapathy observed that Raghuvanshi had already been in custody for over a month, and by this time, substantial progress in the investigation was expected to have been made.
The court made a significant observation on the legal nature of interim bail, stating:
“Interim bail is not codified in statute but has emerged through judicial interpretation. It is granted in special circumstances, and the facts of this case qualify as exceptional and unique.”
Justice Satapathy further clarified that there was no evidence suggesting that the petitioner was a hardened criminal, nor had any material been placed before the court to indicate a likelihood of absconding if released temporarily.
Humanitarian Considerations Take Precedence
Highlighting the emotional weight of the situation, the court emphasized that the desire of a father to see his newborn child is a natural and legitimate emotional need, stating:
“Balancing the emotion of a father with the facts of the case, the petitioner is admitted to interim bail for a period of 10 days from the date of his actual release.”
The court directed that the lower court may impose appropriate conditions during the bail period to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of liberty. Raghuvanshi has also been instructed to surrender immediately upon the expiry of the 10-day period, failing which coercive action may be initiated against him.
Next Steps: Regular Bail Hearing Scheduled
The High Court has fixed July 15, 2025, as the date for hearing Raghuvanshi’s regular bail application. During this session, the court is expected to assess the CBI’s progress in the investigation and deliberate further on the merits of granting him continued release or extending custody.
