The Supreme Court of India has revoked the interim bail granted to Babulal Katara, a suspended member of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission, following objections raised by the Rajasthan government. The decision, made by a Bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma, was based on the serious nature of the allegations against Katara, including his involvement in a significant examination paper leak during his tenure.
The Rajasthan government, in its counter-affidavit, highlighted that there are five pending cases against Katara, one of which was registered by the Enforcement Directorate. Emphasizing the importance of public interest, the government argued that interim bail is a discretionary relief that can be revoked depending on the circumstances of the case and the conduct of the accused. It stressed the necessity of maintaining judicial custody for a fair investigation.
During the proceedings, the case was presented on behalf of Rajasthan by Additional Solicitor General S.D. Sanjay and Additional Advocate General Shiv Mangal Sharma, with representation from advocates Anisha Rastogi and Sonali Gaur. The charges against Katara relate to the leakage of the question paper for the Senior Teacher Examination, which was discovered to have been leaked well in advance, leading to investigations uncovering his alleged involvement in the leak.
Despite being granted interim bail earlier, Katara was held in custody due to a separate case filed by the Enforcement Directorate, involving his connection to the SI Recruitment-2021 paper leak case. He, along with his nephew Vijay Damor and driver, was arrested by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in connection with the case.
