Laxmi Narain Mittal, J. - (1.) ACCUSED Balwant Kumar Dhir has filed this petition for regular bail in case FIR No. 7 dated 11.08.2011, under Sections 7 and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (in short - the Act), registered at Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Patiala Range, District Patiala.
(2.) HOWEVER , on 02.11.2011, counsel for the petitioner submitted that he had instructions that the instant petition had been rendered infructuous because the petitioner was released on bail by the lower court under Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (in short - Cr.P.C.) Consequently, State counsel was asked by this Court to ascertain reasons for non -filing of challan within the stipulated period and also the person responsible therefor. Pursuant to the said order, affidavit of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Vigilance Bureau was filed, wherein the blame was laid at the door of Excise and Taxation Department for causing delay in sending requisite information/documents and in granting sanction under Section 19 of the Act. Accordingly, vide order dated 14.11.2011, State counsel was required to have response of Excise and Taxation Department regarding the said delay.
(3.) PURSUANT to the aforesaid order, affidavit of Additional Excise and Taxation Commissioner, filed today in Court by learned State counsel, is taken on record, subject to all just exceptions.;