In a dramatic turn of events, the Supreme Court has overturned a Rajasthan High Court decision, restoring bail for Girraj Singh Malinga, a former Congress MLA-turned-BJP leader, accused in a high-profile assault case.
The case originated in March 2022 when Malinga, then representing Congress, allegedly stormed into the office of a Dalit engineer from the state electricity department, assaulting him and using caste-based slurs. The altercation reportedly stemmed from grievances over electricity disconnections in a village.
Initially granted bail in May 2022 by the Rajasthan High Court, Malinga’s relief was revoked in July 2023 after the complainant accused him of leveraging his political influence post-release. Allegations included hosting roadshows and delivering intimidatory speeches, which fueled concerns over potential threats to the complainant’s safety.
Malinga, who switched allegiance to the BJP after being denied a Congress ticket in the 2023 elections, approached the Supreme Court seeking intervention. The top court directed him to surrender, following which the matter was reconsidered.
On December 13, a bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Aravind Kumar concluded that Malinga’s surrender demonstrated compliance with legal directives. They noted the delayed cancellation of his bail by the High Court, deeming it inappropriate under the circumstances.
“The appellant shall be released forthwith on the same terms and conditions as previously set,” ruled the Supreme Court, effectively restoring Malinga’s bail.
The legal battle has spotlighted the volatile intersection of politics, caste dynamics, and alleged misuse of power, with Malinga’s actions and affiliations continuing to provoke widespread debate.
