Bribery case: Orissa HC grants interim bail to IAS Bishnupada Sethi, next hearing on July 8

In a major relief to senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi, the Orissa High Court has granted him an interim protection against coercive action in connection with an ongoing CBI investigation into a high-profile bribery case. 

The court also directed that Sethi be provided interim security amid growing legal and political scrutiny.

According to sources, Sethi moved Orissa HC seeking interim protection in the Rs 10 lakh bribery case. 

While hearing his petition, the court has granted him the protection and scheduled the next hearing on July 8.

Background of the Case

The case dates back to December 2024, when CBI arrested Chanchal Mukherjee, Group General Manager of Bridge and Roof Company (India) Limited, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from a contractor. During the investigation, Mukherjee reportedly named Bishnupada Sethi, prompting the central agency to widen its probe.

In February 2025, the CBI conducted a 16-hour-long raid at Sethi’s official residence in Bhubaneswar. Several documents and electronic devices, including his daughter’s laptop, were seized, and his wife’s bank account was frozen. Sethi later claimed that the action amounted to ‘mental harassment’ of his family.

Legal Action and Protection

Following the raid, Sethi, along with his wife and daughter, approached the Orissa High Court seeking relief from coercive measures by the CBI. The court initially granted interim protection and later extended it on multiple occasions. 

However, on June 20, the High Court lifted that protection and rejected Sethi’s anticipatory bail plea, giving the CBI a free hand to proceed.

Sethi’s Stand

Bishnupada Sethi has strongly denied any wrongdoing. He has stated that no FIR has been filed against him, and he has no links to Chanchal Mukherjee or the alleged bribe.