THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
NEW DELHI, April 13: The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Jharkhand cadre IAS officer Vinay Kumar Choubey in a corruption case, setting aside a Jharkhand High Court order that had rejected his plea.
The appeal challenged the Jharkhand High Court’s January 6, 2026, order denying bail in connection with FIR No. 09/2025 registered by the Hazaribagh ACB police station.
Choubey has been booked under multiple sections of the IPC, including 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120B, as well as the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
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Bail granted citing parity and custody period
Senior counsel for Choubey argued that the allegations date back to 2009, while Choubey was arrested only on August 13, 2025, and has been in custody since then. It was also submitted that the apex court had already granted bail to two co-accused.
The state opposed the plea, arguing that Choubey, being a Deputy Commissioner, played a key role in the alleged land transfer and could not be treated on par with the other accused. It also pointed out his involvement in other cases.
Court imposes conditions on release
A bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan observed that a case for bail was made out and directed that Choubey be produced before the trial court and released on bail subject to conditions.
The court directed the appellant to cooperate with the trial and not influence witnesses or tamper with evidence. It warned that any violation could lead to the cancellation of bail.
With these directions, the Supreme Court allowed the criminal appeal.