Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Mumbai CBI Court Rejects Sunil Varma's Bond-Only Release Plea
A Mumbai court decided that Sunil Varma cannot be released just by signing a bond.
He is already out on temporary bail, which he received after his arrest in July 2024.
His lawyer said Varma was not in India in 2017 and was not properly notified about the case.
The CBI said he had not cooperated with its investigation.
The court noted that charges were filed against him while he was absent, for extradition proceedings.
It said he knew about the alleged crime and his alleged involvement.
The court also said he returned because a warrant had been issued, not voluntarily.
Varma will need to seek bail based on the merits of his case.
A special CBI court refused to release Sunil Varma solely on execution of a bond.
Varma has been on interim bail since his arrest in July 2024 and must seek bail on merits.
His lawyer argued Varma was outside India in 2017 and had not been properly served in the case.
The CBI opposed the plea, alleging Varma had not cooperated with the investigation.
The court said Varma's appearance followed a non-bailable warrant and was not voluntary.
- Who
- Sunil Varma, an international business head at Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Gems, and the special CBI court.
- What
- The court rejected Varma's request to be released solely on bond; he remains on interim bail and must seek bail on merits.
- When
- The report is dated October 6, 2026; Varma was arrested in July 2024.
- Where
- Mumbai, India.
- Why
- The court said Varma's appearance was compelled by a non-bailable warrant and that he had not cooperated with the investigation.
Varma's Defence
CBI's Position and Court's Findings
Presence and notice in the case
Varma's Defence
Varma's lawyer said he was outside India in 2017, had not been properly served, and appeared after the High Court cancelled the warrant on condition that he attend the special court.
CBI's Position and Court's Findings
The court said the supplementary chargesheet was filed while Varma was absent for extradition proceedings and that his appearance was compelled by the non-bailable warrant.
Cooperation and release
Varma's Defence
Varma's lawyer asked for his release upon execution of a bond.
CBI's Position and Court's Findings
The CBI argued Varma had not cooperated with the investigation; the court rejected bond-only release and said he must obtain bail on merits.
- Court
- Special CBI court in Mumbai
- Applicant
- Sunil Varma
- Decision
- Bond-only release plea rejected
- Interim bail
- Varma has been on interim bail since his arrest in July 2024
- Complaint filed
- February 15, 2018
- Supplementary chargesheet
- Filed against Varma on June 10, 2021
- CBI position
- The prosecutor argued Varma had not cooperated with the investigation