Plea seeking cancellation of RK Pachauri bail dismissed

The Delhi high court on Friday dismissed a woman’s plea seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Teri’s executive vice-chairman R.K. Pachauri, accused in a sexual harassment case, observing there was “no manifest error” in the trial court’s order.

Justice S.P. Garg noted that the trial court’s March 21, 2015 order granting anticipatory bail to Mr Pachauri, was based upon “fair appraisal” of materials and all relevant aspect of the matter were “considered minutely.”

The high court observed that the petitioner, a former female research analyst of The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri), has failed to impress as to why Mr Pachauri’s custodial interrogation was required. The court said while granting relief to Mr Pachauri, the trial court had already imposed stringent conditions on him.

“The impugned order dated March 21, 2015 is based upon fair appraisal of the materials and all the relevant aspects of the matter have been considered minutely,” the high court said, adding, “This court finds no manifest error in the matter of grant of bail by the trial court.”

The high court noted that the state had not approached it for cancellation of anticipatory bail and during the arguments on the plea moved by the women, the investigating officer had not pressed for custodial interrogation of the accused.

The high court also said that “very cogent and overwhelming circumstances” were necessary for an order of cancellation of bail which has already been granted.

Referring to certain instances raised by the complainant with regard to alleged interference by Mr Pachauri in the probe, the court said, “It can’t be inferred that he (Mr Pachauri) had influenced the investigation or had attempted to interfere with it in any manner.”