1996 Supreme(Bom) 657
IN THE HIGH COURT OF BOMBAY
(NAGPUR BENCH)
Kulkarni S.P., J.
Kantiram @ Nilkanth another .... Applicants.
Versus
State of Maharashtra.... Non-applicant.
Criminal Appln. No. 1457 of 1996, decided on 28-11-1996.
Advocates appeared :
E.W. Nawab, for applicants.
Government Pleader, for non-applicant.
Headnote:Section 438-Anticipatory bail-Mere description that a person is absconding would not be enough to refuse anticipatory bail.
2. Normally remedy of anticipatory bail would not be available in cases where prima facie dependable allegations in respect of serious offence are alleged. However, two factors which weigh in considering this case differently from the one described above, i.e. that in spite of the police papers indicating consistent theory of suicide, the earlier steps taken by the police indicate accidental death. Reference to burns received while cooking made in the reply filed by the State does not seem to have any justification to ignore it and that there was delay of seven days in registering the crime which also equally seems to be a factor which needs to be taken into consideration. On the background of this, this case stands on the different footing than one where relief under section 438, Criminal Procedure Code should be refused.
3. The allegations was that the applicant was absconding. Well, mere description that a person is absconding would not be enough. In order to avoid involvement in a case which a person considers to be unjustified against him, a person may also make effort only to keep himself, away from the police machinery. In my view, therefore, relief under section 438, Criminal Procedure Code is deserved in this case and it is a fit case. However, it shall be subject to the following directions:
"Order
(1) The applicants Kantiram and applicant No. 2 Indrajit are found entitled to be released on bail in the event of their arrest in the crime in question on executing bail bond with surety in the sum of Rs. 1,000/- by each.
(2) They shall within three days from today, present themselves at the Police Station, Khapa at 9 a.m. and make themselves available for the purposes of investigation and interrogation and thus, co-operate the Police Machinery.
(3) They shall not enter the village Khapa without intimation to the police.
(4) They shall not until further orders to be passed by the trial Court, leave their place of residence at Khasara without giving prior information to the police.
Hamdast allowed."
Order accordingly.
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