SC cancels bail of former Gujarat MLA in murder case

New Delhi, Jan 29 (UNI) The Supreme Court today cancelled the bail of former Gujarat MLA Jayrajsinh Temubha Jadeja in a murder case.

A bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhan and Altamas Kabir while cancelling the bail observed ''we are of the view that the High Court has completely ignored the general principles, for grant of bail in a heinous crime of commission of murder in which the sentence, if convicted, is death or life imprisonment.

''In the second case, another learned judge has granted the bail by the impugned order which runs into 22 pages. The learned judge has proceeded as if an order of acquittal is being passed.

''We set aside the impugned order granting bail to the respondents. Respondents are directed to surrender to the judicial custody forthwith. In case the respondents do not surrender within seven days, steps be taken in accordance with law to apprehend them.'' The apex court has also directed the trial court to proceed on day-to-day basis and if possible conclude the trial withing the next six months from the date of production of a certified copy of this judgement. The Supreme Court also clarified that it had not expressed any opinion on merits of the case.

On February 9, 2004, Nilesh Rayani was murdered and on March 19, 2004, Vinubhai Singala was also murdered and the former MLA and his associate Gopalsinh Giriraj Jadeja were named as accused in the murder cases.

UNi AKS/SC AM ND1708