Chandigarh, Feb. 10 -- While dismissing a petition seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to an accused by the high court two years ago in an alleged extortion case-where the accused had posed as officers of the Enforcement Directorate-the court held that the seriousness of the offence by itself is not a valid ground for cancellation of bail once the accused has been found entitled to anticipatory bail and has complied with the conditions imposed.

The court further observed that it is settled law that anticipatory bail cannot be cancelled merely on re-appreciation of facts already considered at the time of granting bail, unless there is clear abuse of the liberty so granted.

Counsel for the complainant submitted that the accu...