In Brief
P. Chidambaram sought regular bail in a CBI case involving allegations of criminal conspiracy and corruption. The High Court declined bail, fearing witness influence, despite finding that flight risk and evidence tampering concerns were not established. The Supreme Court held that at the bail stage, courts must avoid detailed scrutiny of prosecution merits and cannot deny bail solely on witness-influence apprehensions when primary bail criteria are satisfied. The Court clarified that findings made at the bail stage do not prejudice the trial proceedings. Bail was granted to the appellant."
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