A bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, hearing the SLP against the Rajasthan HC’s refusal of bail in the SI paper leak 2021 case, directed that Katara be released on interim bail during the pendency of the proceedings, subject to terms and conditions to be imposed by the trial court.Appearing for Katara, counsel Vivek Jain said no recovery was made from him at the time of arrest. “He can’t be kept in jail for an indefinite period as he is in jail for two years and nine months so far. The investigating agency has levelled charges on him only on the basis of circumstantial evidence, and no recovery was made from him,” Jain argued.Jain further aruged that the investigation is still pending and the trial will take more time, thus Katara should be given bail. The court directed Rajasthan govt to file a counter-affidavit within two weeks. “The affidavit must include particulars of the charge sheet, the number of prosecution witnesses, the status of framing of charges, reasons for delay if charges have not been framed, progress of the trial, criminal antecedents of the petitioner, and whether any co-accused was granted bail,” the court said.The bench also allowed Katara to file a rejoinder, if any, within one week after the state government submits its counter-affidavit.The Supreme Court said the interim bail will remain in force until the next date of hearing, subject to compliance with conditions set by the trial court. The matter is listed for further hearing on March 23, 2026.
