The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to suspended Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Chhavi Ranjan in connection with the Jharkhand Army Land Scam case, which involves allegations of money laundering.

Ranjan, accused of conspiring with others to fabricate land records for availing loan facilities, was arrested on May 4, 2023, and has remained in custody since.

A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh granted him bail with conditions, including that he shall not leave the State of Jharkhand without prior court permission.

Ranjan had approached the Supreme Court after the Jharkhand High Court refused to grant him bail.

“It is undisputed that the complaint has been filed and the trial has commenced. Out of 31 witnesses, 5 have already been examined. The trial is likely to take considerable time. Co-accused have been granted bail, and the petitioner has no prior criminal record. Given the nature of remaining witnesses, there is no substantial risk of influencing them or tampering with evidence,” the Court observed.

The Bench added that any such attempt would amount to misuse of bail. “Considering the period already undergone in custody, without expressing any view on the merits, the petitioner is directed to be released on bail upon furnishing bonds to the satisfaction of the trial court,” the order stated.

Case Title: Chhavi Ranjan v. Union of India, SLP (Crl) No. 12137/2025