ORDER :

1. Leave granted.

2. We have heard Mr. D.K. Sharma, the learned counsel appearing for the appellant (original accused) and Mr. Kanu Agarwal, the learned counsel appearing for the respondent-Union Territory of Chandigarh.

3. A First Information Report bearing No. 05/2023 dated 15.06.2023 came to be registered with the Vigilance Police Station, Chandigarh against the appellant and other co-accused for the offences punishable under Sections 419, 465, 468 and 471 read with Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Section 7-C of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

4. The appellant apprehending arrest at the hands of the police first prayed for anticipatory bail before the Sessions Court Chandigarh. The Sessions Court declined to grant anticipatory bail. The appellant thereafter, went before the High Court and prayed for anticipatory bail. The High Court also declined to grant anticipatory bail.

5. In such circumstances referred to above, the appellant is here before this Court with the present appeal.

6. By our Order dated 25.08.2023, notice was issued and an interim order was passed that the appellant shall not be arrested.

7. We are informed that after our Order dated 25.