Nagendra Rai, J.

1. The petitioner is the same in both the cases and the questions of law involved therein are also the same and as such both have been heard together and are being disposed of by this common judgment.

2. in both the cases, the petitioner has challenged the orders dated 18.1.2000 passed by the Special Judge, Central Bureau of Investigation, Patna, in Special Case No. 61 of 1996 arising out of R.C. Case No. 58-A of 1996 and Special Case No. 59 of 1996 arising out of R.C. Case No. 57-A of 1996, both registered under sections 409, 419, 420, 167, 467, 471, 472, 424, 120-B of the Indian Penal Code and sections 13(2), read with 13 (1) (c) and (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, by which the prayer made on behalf of the petitioner to release him on bond as provided under section 88 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (hereinafter referred to as the Code) has been rejected.

3. Cr. W.J.C. No. 76 of 2000 arises out of Special Case No. 61 of 1996 and Cr. W.J.C. No. 77 of 2000 arises out of Special Case No. 59 of 1996.

4. A public cry was raised with regard to misappropriation of huge sum of public money in the Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Bihar. Some c