JOIN USK P Sripal, a lawyer from the City told Deccan Herald that chances of getting bail at lower court were bleak for former minister which made him to appear before the CID police.
Halappa had applied for bail at Principal District and Sessions Court here on May 5. The Magistrate instructed the prosecution to file objection, if any to the bail plea. A hearing on the bail plea was scheduled on May 11.
According to Sripal, the chances of getting bail in the face of such serious charges are normally less at district level courts. The chances of rejection were high and Halappa had to file a fresh petition before High Court. The process was expected to take nearly a month and failure by CID to secure him during the time would provide opportunity for the Opposition to target the Government again.
BJP leaders too are said to have instructed Halappa to appear before police to avoid such a situation. Moreover, appearing before the investigation officer has made his claims of innocence strong and the embarrassment of being arrested by the police also has been avoided. Voluntary appearance before the investigation officer will be rewarded with judicial custody.
Halappa can seek cushion on medical grounds also as he can get hospitalised by complaining of health problems.