HC bail for Rakesh Paul in cash-for-job scam

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court on Friday granted bail to former Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) chairman Rakesh Paul, the prime accused in thne cash-for-job scam, on grounds that he has already served one-half of the maximum period of imprisonment provided for the alleged offence.
The single-bench court of Justice Devashis Baruah directed Paul’s release subject to certain conditions instead of directing to release him on his personal bond with or without sureties, as described in Section 436A of the CrPC.
According to the conditions, Paul shall not leave Guwahati without prior intimation and permission of the special judge, Assam, and shall not tamper with the evidence of the case. He has also been prohibited to contact the chargesheeted witnesses.
The court directed Paul not to directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any of the witnesses so as to dissuade them from disclosing such facts to the court.
Paul has also been directed by the court to surrender his passport to the court of the special judge, Assam. Besides that, in case of medical emergency, the court directed Paul’s counsel to apprise the special judge, Assam about such circumstances.
In the meanwhile, the high court has directed Paul to appear before the special judge in connection with the cash-for-job scam case on each date fixed by the court.