Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail To Chhattisgarh Businessman In Alleged Manpower Commission Scam; Directs Him To Stay Outside State
The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted interim bail to Chhattisgarh businessman Anwar Dhebar in a corruption case arising out of an alleged commission racket involving manpower agencies engaged by the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL).
A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana directed Dhebar to remain outside Chhattisgarh while on interim bail. However, it permitted him to enter the State for the trial or to attend court proceedings.
The Court passed the order while hearing Dhebar's plea challenging the Chhattisgarh High Court's refusal to grant him regular bail.
Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for the State of Chhattisgarh, told the bench that the investigation was not yet complete. He said that he would give the Court an affidavit containing certain information but did not want to read it out in open court.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Dhebar, objected to the State relying on material in a sealed cover without supplying it to the accused.
"There is no question of any sealed government affidavit like this," Rohatgi said.
Jethmalani told the Court that the State was conceding interim bail. However, he sought a condition requiring Dhebar to remain outside Chhattisgarh, alleging that he had a propensity to tamper with evidence.
Rohatgi submitted that the present case had resulted in Dhebar's sixth arrest and alleged that the authorities were "evergreening" his custody by making successive arrests. He also objected to the State's affidavit being filed in a sealed cover and not being supplied to him, referring to the Supreme Court's judgment against the use of sealed covers.
Justice Bagchi said that if necessary, the CJI could constitute a confidentiality club for sharing sensitive information.
The Supreme Court said that if the State wanted to rely upon confidential information, Dhebar should be given a fair opportunity in relation to that material. At the same time, it said his right to liberty had to be balanced.
"So far as the respondent-State wishes to rely on some confidential information, we deem it appropriate to accord a fair opportunity for that purpose. However, balancing the right of liberty, the petitioner is directed to be released on interim bail, subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Trial Court," the Court ordered.
The Court directed that one of the conditions imposed by the Trial Court must require Dhebar to stay outside Chhattisgarh during the period of interim bail.
"We may hasten to add here that the conditions to be imposed by the Trial Court shall also include the condition that while on interim bail, the petitioner shall stay outside the State of Chhattisgarh. He shall inform his contact number and place of stay to the Competent Authority. However, the petitioner may enter the State of Chhattisgarh for the purpose of trial and/or to attend court proceedings," the Court said.
The matter will next be heard on October 28, 2026.
Background
Dhebar was taken into custody on February 23, 2026 by the Economic Offences Wing/Anti-Corruption Bureau, Chhattisgarh. He is booked for offences under Section 120-B IPC and Sections 7(b) and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. After the charge-sheet was filed, Sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 IPC and Section 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act were also added.
It is the prosecution's case that Dhebar was a principal beneficiary of a scheme under which manpower agencies engaged by CSMCL were made to pay commissions for clearance of their bills. It alleged that Dhebar acted with CSMCL officials and private intermediaries to collect the money.
The prosecution case includes an alleged cash transaction intercepted by the Enforcement Directorate on November 29, 2023. The ED seized Rs.28.80 lakh allegedly being delivered in connection with the clearance of bills raised by manpower supplier M/s Eagle Hunter Solutions Limited. According to the prosecution, the company had submitted bills worth about Rs.3.43 crore and was allegedly required to pay approximately 8%, or Rs.29.40 lakh, as bribe for their clearance.
Before the High Court, Dhebar argued that the case substantially arose from the same transactions already covered in case registered related to the alleged Liquor scam. He alleged that successive arrests were being used for "evergreening of custody". He also argued that there was no money trail or direct recovery connecting him with the alleged proceeds.
The State opposed bail, alleging that Dhebar was a key conspirator and principal beneficiary. It maintained that the manpower case concerned separate transactions and said that investigation into the alleged proceeds, benami assets and involvement of other persons was continuing.
The High Court found at the bail stage that the prosecution material prima facie indicated Dhebar's involvement. It also declined to accept his arguments concerning multiple FIRs and "evergreening of custody" at that stage. Taking into account the allegations, the continuing investigation and the State's apprehension that he could influence witnesses or obstruct the investigation, the High Court dismissed his bail application.
Case no. – SLP(Crl) No. 9438/2026 Diary No. 30358 / 2026
Case Title – Anwar Dhebar v. State of Chhattisgarh