ORDER

The allegation against the petitioner is that he has created about 555 fake firms and has committed fraud to the tune of ₹ 74,00,00,000/- (Rupees seventy four crore only).

Mr. K.M. Natraj, learned additional solicitor general, submits that the investigation is still pending and more number of fake firms created by the petitioner are being detected.

It is not in dispute that the maximum punishment to be imposed on the petitioner, if convicted, is five years. It is also not in dispute that the petitioner has already undergone one year and eight months imprisonment. It is brought to our notice that some of the accused are released on bail.

Be that as it may, having regard to the totality of facts and circumstances, we deem it appropriate to pass the following order:

The State shall make endeavour to complete the investigation within three months from today.

In case the investigation is not completed within three months from this day, the petitioner shall be released on bail by the Trial Court by imposing appropriate terms and conditions.

If the investigation is completed, the report shall be filed before the concerned court. In case, the investigation is completed and the report is filed within three months from today, it is open for the petitioner to move the trial court for bail, if he so chooses. If such an application is filed, the same shall be considered on its own merits by the trial Court.

The special leave petition is disposed of accordingly.