New Delhi [India], February 10: The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has reserved its order on the regular bail plea of RAU’s IAS Study Circle CEO Abhishek Gupta and Coordinator Deshpal Singh. The case involves the tragic death of three UPSC aspirants in the basement of RAU’s IAS Study Circle located in Old Rajender Nagar in July 2024.
Bail Plea Controversies and Opposition
Gupta’s counsel offered to voluntarily contribute Rs 25 lakh to the Delhi Legal Service Authority, aiming to support legal aid in the case. However, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) opposed the bail pleas, emphasizing the gravity of the case.
Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna, after hearing submissions from both the defense counsel and CBI, reserved the order for a later pronouncement.
Arguments and Legal Submissions
Senior advocate Rebecca John, representing Abhishek Gupta, argued that the financial condition clause of Rs 2.5 crore had been waived by the Delhi High Court. She also highlighted that the investigation into the case had been completed, and a charge sheet had already been filed by the CBI. Gupta has been on interim bail since September 23, 2024.
On the other hand, the CBI’s senior public prosecutor opposed the bail application, arguing that a message should be sent to society regarding such serious incidents. Additionally, Advocate Abhijit Anand, representing complainant Delvin Suresh, raised concerns about alleged corruption involved in the case. He referred to the ongoing investigation and cited a Supreme Court judgment that suggests bail should be denied if the investigation pertains to economic offences like corruption.
Building’s Corruption Allegations
The defense further argued that the building in which the tragedy occurred was not designated for educational purposes and that the required Fire NOC had allegedly been obtained through corrupt practices.
The Delhi High Court has already granted regular bail to four co-owners of the building involved in the case. The Rouse Avenue Court is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail plea shortly.