GUWAHATI, India, Nov. 24 -- Gauhati High Court issued the following order on Oct. 24:
1. Heard Mr. P.J. Saikia, learned counsel for the petitioner. Also heard Ms. S.H. Bora, learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the State.
2. This application under Section 482 of BNSS, 2023 has been filed by the petitioner, namely, Rana Ranjit Sarma, seeking prearrest bail in connection with Sapekhati Case No.40/2024 [corresponding to G.R Case No.305/2024] under Sections 420/406/409 of IPC.
3. The gist of allegations in the FIR dated 19.10.2024 lodged by one Dulen Sonowal that the employers of Ghorajan tea estate in the district of Charaideo has failed to deposit the Provident Fund Contribution deducted from the wages of the workers along with their matching contribution amounting to more than Rs.1.27 Crores for the indicated periods.
4. It is submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the present petitioner is the Karta of the Dayabhaga HUF (Hindu Undivided Family), namely M/s. J.N. Sarma and Ors. which owns the tea estate. The day-to-day management of the tea estate has been entrusted to one MPI Associates under an agreement and the said organization was supposed to deposit PF amounts.
5. It is further submitted that the petitioner is stated to be 85 years of age.
6. Call for the case diary from the concerned police station.
7. However, in the interim, in the event of his arrest in connection with this case, the above-named petitioner shall be allowed to go on bail of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand) only with one surety of the like amount subject to the satisfaction of the arresting authority with following conditions:
(i) That the petitioner shall cooperate with the investigation;
(ii) That the petitioner shall make himself available for examination by the I.O
8. In this context, since the petitioner is stated to be aged 85 years, he shall be at liberty to have his statement so recorded through electronic mode as well.
9. List on 20.11.2025.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
