The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted bail to an assistant linked to a ₹66 crore GST fraud case, noting the offence's triable nature and the applicant's custody duration.
P&H HC Grants Bail to Assistant of CA in ₹66 Crore GST Fraud Case
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted regular bail to an accused who is an assistant to a Chartered Accountant, involved in an alleged GST fraud amounting to ₹66 crores. The Court noted that the nature of the offence was triable by a Magistrate, reflecting more on procedural considerations rather than the severity of the allegations.
During the hearing, the High Court highlighted the fact that the petitioner had been in custody for approximately six months, which played a considerable role in the decision to grant bail. The essence of the ruling focuses on the need for a balance between the presumption of innocence and the duration of pre-trial detention.
The Court’s decision reinforces the principle that prolonged custody without trial can be unjust, especially in cases where the evidence is primarily documentary and testimonies may not necessitate continued detention.
Legal practitioners should take note of this development as it emphasizes the judicial inclination towards safeguarding individual rights during the initial stages of criminal proceedings, particularly in financial fraud cases under GST laws.
Citations
- P&H HC (2026) No. 1 All India GST Reporter 126
