Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has confirmed the interim bail granted earlier to IAS officer Harikesh Meena in connection with the alleged abetment to suicide of Vimal Negi, former Chief Engineer of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL).
The ruling brings temporary relief to the senior bureaucrat while the investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) remains ongoing.
What is the Background of the Vimal Negi Death Case
Vimal Negi, a senior engineering officer with HPPCL, died by suicide in June 2024. Subsequently, allegations were raised that he was subjected to harassment, humiliation, and undue pressure by senior officials, including Harikesh Meena, which allegedly compelled him to take the extreme step.
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Following these allegations, the case was handed over to the CBI for an independent and comprehensive investigation.
Why High Court Makes Interim Bail Absolute for IAS officer Harikesh Meena
The order was passed by Justice Virender Singh, who made the interim bail—originally granted on April 7, 2025—absolute after reviewing the overall circumstances of the case.
The court observed that rejecting Meena’s bail plea at this stage would serve no meaningful purpose and would only result in unnecessary judicial custody, particularly when the investigation is still underway and the trial is expected to take considerable time.
Vimal Negi Death Case: CBI’s Allegations Against the Accused
According to the CBI, Negi faced intense pressure related to the 32 MW Pekhubela Solar Power Project in Una district of Himachal Pradesh.
Key Allegations by the CBI:
- Negi was allegedly pressured to issue a completion certificate despite pending work.
- The project’s supervision was handed over to Negi on June 15, 2024.
- A completion certificate was issued on June 20, 2024, with retrospective effect from April 15, 2024.
- The solar project spans 49 hectares and was completed at a cost of ₹220 crore.
The CBI claimed that the certificate was issued under pressure from Harikesh Meena and another official, Desh Raj, Director (Electrical), HPPCL.
The agency further submitted that forensic reports related to the case are still awaited, and further custodial interrogation may be sought if new evidence emerges.
Vimal Negi Death Case: What is the Court’s Observations on Bail and Investigation
While acknowledging the tragic loss of life, the High Court emphasized a fundamental principle of criminal jurisprudence—that an accused cannot be punished before the conclusion of a trial.
The court noted:
- Investigation is still ongoing.
- Trial proceedings are likely to take a long time.
- Continued custody at this stage would be unwarranted.
However, the court clarified that the CBI is free to approach the court if Meena violates any bail conditions or if custodial interrogation becomes necessary based on fresh evidence.
Parity With Co-Accused Considered
The High Court also observed that the allegations against Harikesh Meena were similar in nature to those leveled against co-accused Desh Raj, who had already been granted bail earlier. This parity played a significant role in the court’s decision to confirm Meena’s bail.
