In Brief
This case concerns Partha Chatterjee, a former West Bengal Education Minister, arrested on allegations of running a teachers' recruitment scam where unmerited candidates were appointed via corruption. After two years of pre-trial detention, he sought bail, arguing prolonged incarceration violated his right to liberty. The Supreme Court conditionally granted bail, directing his release on 1 February 2025 after vulnerable prosecution witnesses are examined. The Court held that while prolonged detention unjustly deprives liberty rights, an official's position cannot justify bail; instead, cases must be decided on factual merit. Strict conditions were imposed: no witness interference, regular court attendance, and bar on public office (except legislature), applying only to the ED case.
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