The Madras High Court on Monday observed that just because former Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran may have political influence, bail in the telephone exchange case cannot be denied to others.
Justice P.Devadass made the observation while granting conditional bail to three persons in the case – V.Gowthaman, former Additional Private Secretary to Mr.Maran, Chief Technical Officer, Sun TV Network and S.Kannan an electrician, Chennai.
It is pertinent to note that the charge of abuse of official position in the case has been mainly directed entirely against Mr. Maran.
As per the CBI’s version, the three “were under the beck and call of the main accused A-1 and they were controlled by him. They appear to be dumb-driven cattle,” the Judge said.
The nature of offence alleged involved collection of several documents.
The petitioners could not have any access to them.
A huge economic loss was mainly alleged against Mr.Maran, and not against the petitioners, Mr.Justice Devadass said.
The Judge said Mr.Maran may have political influence and large money and men at his command.
He may be mighty and highly influential.
But because of that, bail could not be denied to the petitioners, as denial would amount to unreasonable restriction on their right to life.
Also, the petitioners had been in jail for a considerable period, Mr.Justice Devadass said.