The Odisha High Court on Wednesday granted interim protection to High Court lawyer Debashis Panda, who is apprehending arrest by the CBI for his alleged involvement in the chit fund scam. The CBI in June booked Panda for his alleged commission of offence under several sections of IPC and the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Scheme (Banning) Act of 1978.
Single-judge Bench of Justice SK Mishra, adjudicating an anticipatory bail application filed by Panda, directed that in the event of Panda’s arrest by the CBI, he shall be released on bail on furnishing a personal bond of Rs10,000. The interim protection of the High Court to Panda is, however, valid till October 30, 2014. The case was adjourned to October 29.
Panda was also directed by the High Court that if in the meantime the CBI issues notice to him to appear before the IO for the purpose of investigation, he shall appear before the CBI for the purpose.
Panda, a former Additional Government Advocate, is accused of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery for the purpose of cheating, using as genuine a forged document and criminal intimidation.
It may be mentioned that Panda’s anticipatory bail application was earlier listed to be adjudicated by Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo. When Justice Sahoo restrained himself from hearing the case, the matter was listed in the court of Justice Pramath Patnaik. Justice Patnaik too had excused himself from the case citing potential conflict of interest.