The Chhattisgarh High Court has strongly condemned the leak of competitive exam papers, denying bail to former Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman, Taman Singh Sonwani. Justice Bibhu Datta Guru described the act as "more heinous than murder," stating that such crimes destroy the hopes and futures of thousands of hardworking students.

“A person who indulges in leaking question papers plays with the future of lakhs of students who burn the midnight oil. Killing one person affects one family, but ruining careers affects entire society. This is worse than murder.” — Justice Bibhu Datta Guru

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Sonwani, along with other officials, is accused of leaking PSC State Service Examination papers between 2020 and 2022. The leaked papers reportedly helped several of his family members, including nephews and relatives of business associates, secure high-ranking posts such as Deputy Collector and Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that a sum of ₹45 lakhs was routed through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from Bajrang Power and Ispat Ltd. to an NGO, Gramin Vikas Samiti (GVS), chaired by Sonwani’s wife. It was through this NGO that leaked papers were allegedly distributed among selected candidates.

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Despite claims from Sonwani’s defense that he was uninvolved in the examination process and that crucial witnesses had not been properly investigated, the court noted that the charges were serious. Statements from his own brother, Anil Kumar Sonwani—Secretary of GVS—revealed that the papers were leaked under Sonwani’s instructions and circulated among family members.

"The accused is a clear example of 'fence eating the crop'," the court noted, rejecting claims of innocence and stressing the severity of the crime.

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The court emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and highlighted the rejections of bail pleas for other key accused in the case. In light of the serious allegations and societal impact, bail was denied.

Case Title: Taman Singh Sonwani v. Central Bureau Of Investigation CBI, Anti Corruption Branch Raipur, District- Raipur (C.G.)