The Calcutta High Court has granted interim bail to Sabyasachi Dutta, a former Mayor of Bidhannagar Municipality and former Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, in a corruption-related case, allowing his release until November 30, 2026, subject to strict conditions. Justice Chaitali Chatterjee (Das) passed the order after considering the unexplained delay in filing the complaint and the stage of the investigation.
The case arose from a complaint registered at Bidhannagar (North) Police Station in June 2026. According to Dutta’s counsel, the complaint alleged a demand of ₹2.30 lakh in 2018, which was reportedly paid to another person. His counsel also pointed to an alleged demand of ₹1 crore, for which the complaint specified no date or time, along with allegations of slapping and threats.
Dutta approached the High Court seeking bail under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, corresponding to Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, after the Special Court at Barasat rejected his earlier bail application.
His counsel argued that the complaint was lodged after an unexplained delay of around eight years and questioned aspects of the investigation. The prosecution opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations, the recovery of gold ornaments and cash from a bank locker, and concerns that his influence could affect the trial.
The High Court noted that the complaint did not explain why the allegations concerning 2018 had not been reported earlier. It also considered that the investigation had concluded and that the charge sheet and supplementary charge sheet had been submitted.
While considering the principles governing bail, the Court referred to the Supreme Court's decision in P. Chidambaram v. Central Bureau of Investigation, reiterating the importance of the presumption of innocence.
The order records the principle in these words:
"Bail is not to be withheld as a punishment, the requirement of bail is merely to secure the attendance of the prisoner at trial. Bail jurisprudence is a facet of a civilized criminal justice system. An accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law following due process."
The Court considered these principles alongside the circumstances of the case and the prosecution's concerns before deciding the application.
The High Court granted Dutta interim bail until November 30, 2026, on furnishing a bail bond of ₹50,000 with two sureties of the same amount, one of whom must be a local resident. He must surrender his passport, cannot leave West Bengal without the court's permission, and must not tamper with evidence or intimidate witnesses. He must also attend court hearings and comply with the other conditions imposed. Violation of any condition would result in cancellation of the interim bail order.
Case Title: Sabyasachi Dutta v. The State of West Bengal
Case Number: CRM (M) 2466 of 2026
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