Jharkhand HC Grants Bail to Businessman in ₹35 Crore GST Evasion Case Noting Suo Moto deposit of Rs. 1.25 crores [Read Order]
As a bail condition, the petitioner was directed to furnish bond of ₹1 lakh with two sureties of like amount, both being income tax assessees
The Jharkhand High Court has granted bail to a businessman in a ₹35 crore GST ( Goods and Services Tax) evasion noting the suo motu deposit of ₹1.25 crore and medical condition.
The petitioner, Parmod Kumar Agarwal, a partner of M/s Shubh Laxmi Traders, approached the high court for bail. He was arrested on 24 December 2025 in connection with Complaint Case No. 4596 of 2025.
The prosecution alleged huge GST evasion under Sections 132(1)(a), 132(1)(f), and 132(1)(i) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, read with Section 20 of the IGST Act.
The Directorate General of GST Intelligence conducted search operations from 2 to 4 December 2025 under Section 67(2) of the CGST Act, during which physical and digital evidence was recovered. This clearly showed the tax evasion of approximately ₹35 crore.
On the other hand, the petitioner argued that the investigation was substantially complete and no further custodial interrogation was required.
They submitted the Supreme Court’s decision in Ratnambar Kaushik v. Union of India, where bail was granted in a similar GST evasion matter considering the maximum punishment prescribed under Section 132.
The petitioner also asserted that he had some health concerns, including a history of liver transplant treatment and spinal nerve compression requiring specialized medical attention.
Additionally, it was submitted that out of the alleged tax evasion amount, the petitioner had voluntarily deposited ₹1.25 crore.
The prosecution, on the other side, contended that the petitioner was the founding partner holding a 40% stake, the authorized signatory of the firm, and the principal beneficiary of the alleged GST fraud. It was further submitted that the investigation was still ongoing.
Considering the submissions, the bench of Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary allowed the bail application. As a bail condition, the petitioner was directed to furnish bond of ₹1 lakh with two sureties of like amount, both being income tax assessees.
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