Rs 1 crore to keep Amar out of jail

Court granted bail to the MP on 'humanitarian grounds', restrained him from leaving country without permission

Court granted bail to the MP on 'humanitarian grounds', restrained him from leaving country without permission

In view of the Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh's "critical condition", Delhi High Court granted him bail in the 2008 cash-for-vote case on "humanitarian grounds" on Monday. Singh, who is undergoing treatment at AIIMS, has however been restrained from leaving the country without permission.


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While granting bail to 55-year-old Singh, Justice Suresh Kait said, "Keeping in view the critical health condition of the petitioner as he had been continuously in hospital since October 12 till date, on humanitarian grounds I deem it fit to admit the petitioner on bail."

In the 33-page order, the court asked him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50 lakh and two sureties of Rs 25 lakh each. Initially, the amount to be paid was Rs 1.5 crore, but later it was reduced after Singh's lawyers said the sum was "too high" and would be difficult for the accused to arrange. The court also asked the former Samajwadi Party leader to surrender his passport before the trial court.

The court said, "Keeping medical reports in view, it seems to me that the health condition of the petitioner is critical. Doctors have advised him to remain in hygienic conditions. Jail is not such a place." Singh, arrested on September 6, will have to furnish particulars of his stay offshore if he goes out of the country, Justice Kait said. Singh has been booked under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code.

Meanwhile, actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada and Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh welcomed the court's decision. Terming the bail as Diwali gift, Prada said, "I was convinced that Singh had done nothing wrong. I want to thank the people and the court for their support."

"I am very happy. I wish a happy Diwali to him and his family. Now, Amar Singhji will celebrate Diwali with his entire family," said Digvijaya Singh.

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