The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Arun Pati Tripathi, a former Special Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Excise Department, in connection with the Chhattisgarh liquor scam. However, his release has been deferred until April 10, 2025, to prevent any interference with the ongoing investigation.
A bench consisting of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan noted that Tripathi had already spent approximately 11 months in custody. Although the trial is not expected to commence soon, the Court considered the State’s request for additional time to complete its investigation.
"Considering the observations made by us in the aforesaid order, the appellant is entitled to be enlarged on bail. However, to ensure that the investigation is not affected in any manner, we direct that the appellant shall be enlarged on bail on 10th April 2025, subject to appropriate terms and conditions fixed by the concerned Sessions Court," the Supreme Court stated.
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Arun Pati Tripathi was arrested on April 12, 2024, by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on allegations of corruption and financial irregularities in the state's liquor trade. The charges against him include facilitating illegal commissions from liquor suppliers and the sale of illicit liquor through government-run stores. He faces prosecution under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The Chhattisgarh High Court had previously rejected his bail plea on September 30, 2024, citing his alleged involvement in a large-scale corruption scheme. The High Court order indicated that Tripathi, while serving as Managing Director of Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL), played a key role in orchestrating illegal commissions, illicit liquor sales, and offshore money transfers.
Referring to its December 12, 2024, order, the Supreme Court noted that Tripathi had already spent eight months in custody and that three charge sheets had been filed in the case. With over 300 witnesses cited, the Court recognized that the trial would only commence once the final charge sheet was submitted. Under normal circumstances, the Court stated that he would have been entitled to bail but had previously granted additional time to the State to complete its investigation.
The Supreme Court set specific conditions for Tripathi’s bail. In addition to the terms imposed by the Sessions Court, he must surrender his passport to the investigating officer, report daily at 10:00 a.m. until the charge sheet is filed, and fully cooperate with the investigation. He will be presented before the appropriate Sessions Court on April 10, 2025, where the final bail conditions will be determined.
Alongside Tripathi, three other individuals implicated in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam were also granted bail. Anurag Dwivedi, whose investigation is complete, must appear before the Sessions Court within ten days for bail under strict conditions, including surrendering his passport and cooperating with authorities. Dilip Pandey, who has been in custody for eight months, was granted bail under similar conditions, with his release set for April 10, 2025. Deepak Duary was also granted bail under stringent conditions, with his case being handled by the Sessions Court within ten days.
The Supreme Court emphasized that while bail has been granted, strict conditions will ensure that the investigation is not compromised.
"The appellant shall be enlarged on bail on 10th April, 2025, subject to appropriate terms and conditions fixed by the concerned Sessions Court."
Case No.: Criminal Appeal No. 1263 of 2025
Case Title: Arun Pati Tripathi v. State of Chhattisgarh
