ORDER

1. The Court is convened through Video Conferencing.

2. Having heard Mr. Mukul Rohatgi, learned senior counsel for the petitioner as also Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, learned senior counsel, who appears on caveat on behalf of the respondent -State, we see no reason to interfere with the impugned order passed by the High Court rejecting the anticipatory bail application preferred by the petitioner herein.

3. However, taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the instant case, the petitioner is permitted to surrender before the concerned trial court and apply for regular bail.

4. If the petitioner surrenders before the concerned trial court and applies for regular bail, the same shall be considered and disposed of on its own merits and in accordance with law, expeditiously.

5. For a period of ten days from today, interim protection against arrest is granted to the petitioner herein.

6. We make it clear that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case and the same shall be decided by the concerned trial court.

7. The special leave petition stands disposed of accordingly.

8. As a sequel to the above, pending interlocutory applications also stand disposed of.