Haryana Minister Sandeep Singh submits bail bonds in sexual harassment case

Haryana Minister Sandeep Singh has appeared before a court in Chandigarh to submit bail bonds, following the recent grant of anticipatory bail in a sexual harassment case. This case dates back to a complaint filed last year by a junior woman athletics coach against the minister.

Sandeep Singh's appearance in the court of additional chief judicial magistrate Rahul Garg was to fulfill the bail bond requirement, as confirmed by his counsel Siddhant Pandit, who was accompanied by the minister's main counsel, Rabindra Pandit.

Anticipatory bail granted

On the preceding day, Sandeep Singh had been granted anticipatory bail by the court of additional sessions judge Rajeev K Beri. The court's decision stipulated that the accused must surrender before the trial court or illaqa magistrate in Chandigarh within 10 days from the granting of anticipatory bail. Additionally, the court mandated the submission of personal bonds, each with one lakh rupees as surety, to the satisfaction of the court.

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Chandigarh Police had taken nearly eight months to file a chargesheet in this case, which originated from allegations of sexual assault made by a junior athletics coach in Haryana against the BJP leader, Sandeep Singh.

Differing claims

Throughout the legal proceedings, Sandeep Singh's counsel maintained his client's innocence and asserted that he had been falsely implicated in the case. Conversely, the complainant's counsel countered these claims.

The minister has been charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 354 (assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), Section 354A (sexual harassment), Section 354B (assault or criminal force with intent to disrobe), Section 342 (wrongful confinement), and Section 506 (criminal intimidation).

Sandeep Singh's political background

At present, Sandeep Singh holds the position of Minister of State for Printing and Stationery. He is a first-time MLA and a former captain of the Indian national hockey team. Following the charges related to alleged sexual harassment, he stepped down from his role as the state's Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, citing "moral grounds."

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The case against Sandeep Singh serves as a reminder of the significance of addressing allegations of sexual harassment through the legal system, ensuring due process, and upholding the principles of justice, regardless of the individual's political or social standing. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the outcome of this case, with the court's decision holding the key to Sandeep Singh's legal fate.