Consistent complaints of corruption can outweigh a probable defense and may not warrant the extraordinary relief of pre-arrest bail.

M. M. S. Bedi, J.

1. -the petitioner, as per the contents of the FIR has been stamped a thoroughly corrupt official indulging in demanding and receiving a sum of Rs.200 per consumer while providing electricity connections under a scheme of the Government to provide electricity connections to the persons below poverty line. On the basis of the allegations of the consumers, the FIR stands registered and he has also been suspended.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner has submitted that no recovery of any tainted amount has been made from the petitioner and that it is not within the ambit of the jurisdiction of the petitioner to provide any electric connection to any of the consumers under the abovesaid scheme. He has further contended that one of the complainants, namely, Sat pal is inimical towards the petitioner as the petitioner has got permanent disconnection of his electric connection on account of his having failed to pay the bill.

3. I have heard learned counsel for the parties. The petitioner, no doubt, has got a probable defence against complainant satpal but there have been consistent complaints against the petitioner for demanding and receiving money from the consumers.- The plea of the petitioner that it is not his duty to provide electric connection, may be a good defence and "ground for seeking the concession of regular bail but granting pre-arrest bail to a person against whom there are a number of complaints of corruption, cannot be granted the extraordinary relief of pre-arrest bail. The petition is dismissed.

4. This order will not, in any manner, affect the rights of the petitioner to seek regular bail. Learned counsel for the petitioner has submitted that a direction be issued that the application for regular bail of the petitioner may be decided on the same day. The petitioner will be at liberty to make such a request to the Court concerned at the time of applying regular bail. . Petition dismissed.