Shimla, Dec. 26 -- The Himachal Pradesh high court (HC) has ruled that seeking an explanation in an official capacity does not constitute "abetment to suicide" under the law. The observation was made while granting anticipatory bail to Harikesh Meena, the former managing director of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), in connection with the death of engineer Vimal Negi.

In its order dated December 24, the court confirmed the bail, observing: "Even otherwise, the explanation called from deceased Vimal Negi by accused Desh Raj does not fall within the definition of abetment."

Meena, along with then-director (electrical) Desh Raj, was accused by the engineer's wife, Kiran Negi, of sustained harassment. Vimal Negi's body was...