HC grants anticipatory bail to Kalimuthu in DVAC cases

Chennai, Sept 25 (UNI) Madras High Court today granted the anticipatory bail to former Tamil Nadu assembly speaker K Kalimuthu, who apprehended arrest in connecton with two cases registered by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption(DVAC).

Mr Justice C Nagappan granted anticipatory bail to Mr Kalimuthu on the condition that he should stay in Chennai and appear before the DVAC daily at 1000 hrs for a week. He shoud cooperate with the investigation, the judge added.

According to DVAC, Mr Kalimuthu, during his tenure as the assembly speaker, awarded contract for running two canteens 'Anbhagam' and 'Anna' for a meagre amount without inviting tenders, thereby, causing loss to the tune of about Rs 50 lakh to the public exchequer.

When the petition came up for hearing, N Jyoti, counsel for Mr Kalimuthu submitted that the former assembly speaker was in hospital from September 14 and 24 hours prior to that the DVAC filed the FIR.

The DVAC did not arrest him either before going to the hospital or after that, he added.

Mr Jyoti said Mr Kalimuthu suffered from heart attack twice and he could not stand up and talk. Anticipatory bail may be considered on humanitarian ground to his client, he added.

The Government advocate Mr Balasubramanian submitted that the intention of DVAC was not to arrest Mr Kalimuthu, as there was documentary evidence to the case. He may be granted anticipatory bail on health ground, he added.

In his order the Judge said the Government advocate says the State Government has no objection for granting anticipatory bail on health ground, subject to necessary condition. Hence, Mr Kalimuthu was granted anticipatory bail, the judge added.

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