Espionage Case: Delhi High Court Dismisses Freelance Journalist Rajeev Sharma's Plea Seeking Modification Of Bail Condition

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea filed by freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma seeking modification of a bail condition imposed on him in connection with a case alleging that he supplied confidential information to Chinese Officials, in exchange of remuneration.

Justice Mukta Gupta dismissed the application which sought modification of the condition wherein Sharma was directed to appear before the Investigation Officer concerned on first Monday of every calendar month at 5 PM, for the next six months.

"Considering the fact that number of Covid cases in Delhi are on a decline and all institutions are bound to open up, this Court finds no ground to modify the said condition. The application is accordingly dismissed," the Court said.

Enforcement Directorate had initiated investigation on the basis of an FIR filed against Sharma under the provisions of IPC and Official Secrets Act. Justice Gupta had granted bail to Sharma earlier this month.

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During the course of hearing today, Sharma's counsel submitted that after the bail was granted, Sharma was already keeping his phone active and location on at all times.

To this, Justice Gupta orally remarked thus:

"That's okay. I have done this for the purpose that for six months at least, if they want you for joining Investigation, they want to monitor you."

"As and when they call you, you are bound to go...It can't be that I will not join the investigation."

Accordingly, the plea was dismissed.

A charge-sheet was filed under section 120B IPC r/w offences u/s 3, 4 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.

It was the case of ED that Sharma had supplied confidential information to Chinese Officials in return of some remuneration, thereby compromising the security and national interest of the country.

Case Title: Rajeev Sharma v. Enforcement Directorate