HC rejects ex-CGPSC chief’s second bail in recruitment scam

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh high court dismissed the second bail application of Taman Singh Sonwani, former chairman of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), in connection with the 2021 recruitment scam. Justice Bibhu Datta Guru, while rejecting the plea, observed that the allegations of leaking examination papers to favour family members were serious and undermined the future of lakhs of aspirants. Justice Guru stated that, given the gravity of the charges and the ongoing investigation into other involved persons, this was not a fit case for granting bail. Sonwani's first bail application was rejected in April 2025. CBI opposed the bail, describing Sonwani as the "kingpin" of the scam. The agency informed the court that while the probe regarding Sonwani is complete, investigations into 10 other candidates are still underway. "The act of leaking examination papers undermines the integrity of competitive examinations and adversely affects the future of numerous aspirants," the court noted.