Gauhati High Court Grants Interim Bail to USTM Chancellor Mahbabul Haque

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court on Monday granted interim bail to Mahbabul Haque, chancellor of Meghalaya's University of Science and Technology (USTM), who had been arrested for allegedly promising the students help to use unfair means in exams to get high scores. The verdict is a crucial development in the case that attracted widespread attention.

Justice Mitali Thakuria, during the bail grant, laid down various conditions to allow Haque's cooperation with the continued investigation. The conditions are his appearance before the investigating officer whenever called for, strict non-influence over the witnesses or any persons associated with the case, and scrupulous adherence to the investigation process. Haque was also asked to provide a bail bond of Rs 50,000 and a surety of the same amount.

Appreciating Haque's solid argument in favor of bail, the court ruled that it would be wise to consider the case diary for clearer perception. Accordingly, the case's next hearing along with filing the case diary has been put forward for April 9. What this means is that Haque has found a reprieve, but the case is not cleared yet.

After the formalities of the law were completed, Haque was released from Tezpur Central Jail around 6:30 pm. He then left for Guwahati under strict security arrangements. His release is a milestone in the ongoing legal process, as the case continues to unfold.

Haque has been in custody since March 13, after being charged with serious charges that have sparked debates over academic integrity.

ALSO READ:

ALSO WATCH: