HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT
MR. JUSTICE M. R. MENGDEY, J
AKASHBHAI @ BALAD MANSUKHBHAI PARMAR – Appellant
Versus
STATE OF GUJARAT – Respondent
R/CRIMINAL MISC.APPLICATION (FOR REGULAR BAIL - AFTER CHARGESHEET) NO. 4362 of 2025
(A) Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) - Section 483 - Application for regular bail - Applicants, accused of possessing contraband liquor, sought bail citing good reputation and willingness to comply with conditions - Opposed by prosecution due to antecedents and gravity of offense - Court considered factors including prima facie case, custody duration, and nature of allegations - Bail granted with conditions including maintaining law and order and not tampering with evidence. (Paras 2, 5, 7, 8)
(B) Bail - Considerations for granting bail - Factors include prima facie case, likelihood of fleeing, and potential for tampering with witnesses - Court emphasized that the trial court should not be influenced by prima facie observations made in the bail order. (Paras 7, 11)
Facts of the case:
The Applicants were arrested in connection with FIR for possession of contraband liquor worth Rs.9,63,000/- and sought bail after being in custody since 19.11.2024. (Paras 2, 6)
Findings of Court:
The application for bail was allowed based on the consideration of the nature of allegations and the role attributed to the Applicants. (Paras 8)
Issues: The main issues included the gravity of the offense, the Applicants' antecedents, and the conditions under which bail could be granted. (Paras 5, 8)
Ratio Decidendi: The court ruled that the Applicants' good reputation and willingness to comply with conditions warranted bail, despite the prosecution's opposition based on the nature of the offense. (Paras 8)
Result: Application for bail allowed.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. arrest in contraband case (Para 2 , 3) |
| 2. defense arguments for bail (Para 4) |
| 3. prosecution opposition (Para 5 , 6) |
| 4. consideration of factors (Para 7) |
| 5. court's reasoning for bail (Para 8) |
| 6. bail bond execution (Para 9) |
| 7. breach of conditions (Para 10) |
| 8. trial court's independence (Para 11 , 12) |
ORDER :
M. R. MENGDEY, J.
1. Rule. Learned APP waives service of Rule on behalf of the Respondent State.
2. The Applicants have filed this Application under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita ( BNSS ) for enlarging the Applicants on Regular Bail in connection with FIR being C.R. No.11198001240588 of 2024 registered with Nilambaug Police Station. Bhavnagar.
3. Heard learned Advocate for the Applicants and learned APP for the Respondent – State.
4. Learned Advocate for the Applicants submitted that the Applicants have good reputation in the society and no useful purpose would be served by keeping the applicants in jail for indefinite period. It is further contended that the applicants are ready and willing to abide by all the conditions that may be imposed by this Court if released on bail.
5. Per contra, learned APP has vehemently opposed the present application for grant of regular bail contending that the applicants have several other antecedents. Moreover, the applicant No.2 is the owner of the truck from which the stock of contraband liquor had been seized. Wherein, the present applicant No.1 was the Driver of the Truck. Learned APP therefore submitted that looking to the nature and gravity of offence, this Court may not exercise the discretion in favour of the applicants and the application may be dismissed.
6. Heard learned advocates for the respective parties and perused the record. From the record it appears that the investigation is over and charge- sheet has been filed. As per the case of prosecution, the present applicants were found present in the vehicle from which the stock of contraband liquor worth Rs.9,63,000/- had been seized. Considering the same, the application deserves consideration.
7. This court has considered the following aspects:
(a) As per catena of decisions of Hon’ble Supreme Court, there are mainly 3 factors which are required to be considered by this court i.e. prima facie case, availability of Applicants accused at the time of trial and tampering and hampering with the witnesses by the accused.
(b) That the learned Advocate for the Applicants submitted that the Applicants Accused is not likely to flee away.
(c) That the Applicants are in custody since 19.11.2024.
(d) The law laid down by the Hon'ble Apex Court in the case of Sanjay Chandra v. C.B.I. Reported in (2012) 1 SCC 40 .
8. Having heard the learned Advocates for the parties and perusing the record produced in this case as well as taking into consideration the facts of the case, nature of allegations, gravity of accusation, availability of the Applicants Accused at the time of Trial etc. and the role attributed to the present Applicants accused, the present Application deserves to be allowed and accordingly stands allowed. This Court has also gone through the FIR and police papers and also the earlier order passed by the learned Sessions Court where the learned Sessions Judge has disallowed the bail Application at initial stage. The Applicants Accused are ordered to be released on bail in connection with the aforesaid FIR on executing a personal bond of Rs.10,000/- (each) with one surety of the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial Court, subject to the following conditions that they shall:
(a) not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the fact of the case so as to dissuade him from disclosing such facts to the Court or any Police Officer or tamper with the evidence.
(b) maintain law and order and not to indulge in any criminal activities.
(c) furnish the documentary proof of complete, correct and present address of residence to the Investigating Officer and to the T
The court granted bail based on the Applicants' good reputation and compliance willingness, despite serious charges, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of bail conditions.
The court granted bail based on the Applicant's reputation and the completion of the investigation, imposing conditions to prevent tampering and ensure compliance.
The court granted bail under BNSS Section 483, emphasizing the need to consider the prima facie case, custody duration, and potential flight risk, while imposing strict conditions to ensure complianc....
The court established that bail may be granted based on the assessment of prima facie case, custody duration, and risk of tampering with evidence, with conditions imposed to ensure compliance.
The court granted bail despite the applicant's criminal history, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the nature of allegations and the applicant's compliance with conditions.
The court granted bail considering the applicant's lack of prior criminal record and the completion of the investigation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order during bail condition....
The court emphasized that bail considerations include the nature of allegations, gravity of accusations, and the absence of a Test Identification Parade, leading to the granting of bail under specifi....
The court emphasized that insufficient evidence of direct involvement and the applicant's good reputation justified granting bail under Section 483 of the BNSS.
The court granted bail considering the applicant's reputation, gravity of allegations, and ensuring compliance with conditions while addressing risks related to flight and witness tampering.
The court granted bail considering the Applicant's lack of prior criminal record and the nature of the allegations, emphasizing the importance of specific conditions to ensure compliance during trial....
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