Briefs Facts 

In the instant matter of Sanjay Popli v. State of Punjab IAS Popli filed a plea and requested the granting of temporary bail because his son’s first death anniversary falls on June 25, 2023. It was said that he wanted to be by his wife’s side on the anniversary of their son’s passing because she was being treated for psychological distress and disorientation. When the inquiry was still proceeding, a few days after Sanjay Popli’s detention in a corruption case, his son passed away.

Observation of the Court 

In light of the quantity of assets retrieved from IAS Sanjay Popli’s home and the ongoing litigation for disproportionate wealth, the Punjab and Haryana High Court earlier had refused to grant him bail. The State opposed the aforementioned motion for bail due to the seriousness of the allegations against Sanjay Popli in the case where excessive assets were found during a search and seizure at their house.

Judge Pankaj Jain of a single bench has granted temporary bail to Punjab IAS Officer Sanjay Popli for six days so that he can attend the son’s first death anniversary. IAS Popli has been detained after being charged with violations under Sections 7 and 7-A of the 1988 Prevention of Corruption Act. The court granted IAS Popli interim bail on “pure humanitarian grounds” despite the fact that Investigating agencies have already filed reports before the trial court. The Court granted interim bail for six days in light of the exceptional events and circumstances, without discussing the case’s merits. The Court also prohibited him from leaving his home city while on bail.