Shimla, Apr 4
Reportedly, the Supreme Court today granted interim relief to Desh Raj, an accused in the abetment to suicide case of HPPCL GM Vimal Negi, whose body was recently recovered from Govind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. A division bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra directed that no coercive steps be taken against Raj until the next hearing.
The bail application, filed on April 1, 2025, was listed for motion hearing today. Even though a detailed order is awaited in the matter but the Apex court, directed restraint against any coercive action. Desh Raj, a senior official of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), was accused by Negi’s family of abetting his suicide. Advocate Astha Singh, representing Raj, appeared during the proceedings.
The matter has been adjourned to July 22, 2025, with the interim protection remaining in force. Further details are awaited with the full court order.
Vimal Negi’s death had sparked allegations against HPPCL officials, with the family claiming workplace harassment led to his extreme step. The state’s response to the apex court’s notice is yet to be filed.
