The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice in a plea filed by the Chhattisgarh Government challenging the grant of bail to Chaitanya Baghel in the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam case, while directing that the matter be listed in July along with a connected matter concerning supplementary charge sheets and further investigation.

The matter arose from the State’s challenge to the grant of bail to Baghel in the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam case involving allegations of corruption and irregularities in the State’s excise administration.

During the hearing, senior advocate N. Hariharan, appearing for Baghel, strongly opposed the issuance of notice, arguing that the investigation was complete and that the present proceedings amounted to a “fishing and roving enquiry.”

He submitted before the Court that there had been “no arrest, no notice” against Baghel earlier and contended that there was “not a single whisper of allegation” against him before the present developments. It was further argued that the High Court’s detailed bail order had already considered all relevant aspects of the case.

The Bench, however, proceeded to issue notice and indicated that the matter would be heard in July, along with a connected case involving legal questions surrounding supplementary charge sheets and further investigation. The Court directed that the matter be listed between July 21 and July 23.