Gauhati High Court has granted bail to the former chairman of the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) Rakesh Paul. Paul was accused in cash for a job scam. The bail was granted by a single bench of Justice Devashis Baruah on Friday in connection with a case registered at the Bhangagarh police station here related to taking bribes for giving jobs for the post of agricultural development officer.

The Court granted bail on the ground that he had already served one-half of the maximum period of imprisonment for the offence. Paul was arrested by Dibrugarh police in November 2016 and has been in judicial custody since then.

The Court directed Paul's release subject to certain conditions which include surrendering his passport, not leaving Guwahati without prior intimation and permission of the Special Judge, Assam and not tampering with the evidence of the case.

The judge also directed him to appear before the Special Judge in connection with cases related to the cash for job scam on each date fixed by the court.

Accused Rakesh Paul was booked under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery for cheating, among others. Paul is likely to be released on Saturday after the completion of the necessary formalities.

Besides Paul, more than 70 people, including Assam Civil and police service officers, were arrested in connection with the scam.