Granting bail to D.G. Vanzara in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case on Thursday, Justice Abhay Thipsay said that since other accused in the case had already been given bail, it was improper not to grant it to him.
He cited the Supreme Court’s order granting bail to two other co-accused, M.N. Dinesh and Rajkumar Pandian.
“A view has been taken [by the apex court] that when a number of co-accused in the case — some having played a major and serious role and some having played a lesser or minor role — have been released on bail when the pre-trial detention period has been about seven years and when the trial is not likely to be concluded within a reasonable time, the accused persons should be released on bail,” the order stated.
Mr. Vanzara will have to surrender his passport to the CBI.
He will also have to remain present before the trial court here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
