Both these petitioners have been arraigned as accused by the common impugned order dated 23rd December, 2017 passed by learned Spl. Judge-VII, C.B.I (A.H.D. Scam) Ranchi in R. C Case no. 64(A)/96-Pat in exercise of the powers under Section 319 of Criminal Procedure Code, whereunder cognizance has been taken against the petitioner D. P. Ojha under Section 120-B read with Sections 420 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(c)(d) of Prevention of Corruption Act. Cognizance has been taken against the petitioner Sukhdeo Singh under Sections 120-B read with Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 477A of the Indian Penal Code and under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(c)(d) of Prevention of Corruption Act. Both have been directed to appear.

2. Both the petitioners have raised common grounds of law in support of the challenge to the impugned order.

3. Factual grounds urged by each of the petitioners are being referred to separately hereinafter.

Petitioner D.P.Ojha (‘D’) superannuated from the post of Director General of Police, Bihar while Petitioner Sukhdeo Singh (‘S’) is an officer of the Indian Administrative Service presently serving under Government of Jh