HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN AT JODHPUR
Rameshwar Vyas, J.
Bhawani Singh & Ors. – Appellants
Versus
State Of Rajasthan & Ors. – Respondents
S. B. Criminal Appeal No. 36 of 2022
Decided On : 16-02-2022
S.C./S.T. (Prevention of atrocities) - Bail Application - The court allowed the appeal and set aside the order rejecting the bail application, granting bail to the accused-appellants.
Fact of the Case:
The appellants filed a criminal appeal under Section 14a of the S.C./S.T. (Prevention of atrocities) act, 2015 against the rejection of their bail application in connection with F.I.R. No. 355/2021, Police Station Chouhtan, District Barmer for various offenses.
Finding of the Court:
The court, without commenting on the merits of the case, found that the appeal filed by the appellants deserved to be accepted, and consequently allowed the criminal appeal, setting aside the impugned order and ordering the release of the accused-appellants on bail.
Issues: The main issue was the rejection of the bail application of the accused-appellants in connection with the offenses under Sections 143, 341, 323, 509, 354, 427 & 307 of I.P.C. and Sections 3(1)(R), 3(1)(S) & 3(2)(Va) of S.C./S.T. (Prevention of atrocities) amendment act, 2015.
Ratio Decidendi: The court considered the nature of the injuries and the likelihood of the trial's conclusion in the near future, and without commenting on the merits of the case, decided to grant bail to the accused-appellants.
Final Decision: The court allowed the criminal appeal, set aside the impugned order, and ordered the release of the accused-appellants on bail.
JUDGMENT
Rameshwar Vyas, J. - Mr. R.J. Punia, learned counsel has put in appearance on behalf of the respondent No. 2-complainant.
2. The instant criminal appeal has been filed under Section 14a of the S.C./S.T. (Prevention of atrocities) act, 2015 on behalf of the appellants, who are in custody in connection with F.I.R. No. 355/2021, Police Station Chouhtan, District Barmer for the offences under Sections 143, 341, 323, 509, 354, 427 & 307 of I.P.C. and Sections 3(1)(R), 3(1)(S) & 3(2)(Va) of S.C./S.T. (Prevention of atrocities) amendment act, 2015 against the Order dated 15.12.2021 passed by the Special Judge, S.C./S.T. (Prevention of atrocities) act Cases, Barmer, whereby the bail application preferred under Section 439 of Cr.P.C. on behalf of the appellants was rejected.
3. Heard learned counsel for the appellants and learned Public Prosecutor. Perused the material available on record.
4. Learned counsel for the appellants submits that no grievous injury has been found on the vital part of injured Sangaram. The fractures have been found on the legs and shoulder of the injured. The case under Section 307 of I.P.C. is not made out. The offence under Sections 3(1)(R)(S) of S.C./S.T. (Prevention of atrocities) amendment act, 2015 are punishable with imprisonment for maximum period of 5 years and fine. The appellants are behind the bar since 07.12.2021. There is no likelihood of conclusion of the trial in the near future. On the above grounds, learned counsel for the appellants prays that the appeal of the appellants may be allowed and they may be enlarged on bail.
5. Learned Public Prosecutor supported by learned counsel for the respondent No. 2-complainant have opposed the appeal.
6. Having regard to the rival contentions of learned counsel for the parties as well as facts and circumstances of the case, without commenting upon the merits of the case, this Court is of the opinion that the appeal filed by the appellants deserves to be accepted.
7. Consequently, the instant criminal appeal is allowed. The impugned Order dated 15.12.2021 passed by the Special Judge, S.C./S.T. (Prevention of atrocities) act Cases, Barmer is set aside. It is ordered that the accused-appellants (1) Bhawani Singh S/o Vag Singh adopted Son Chug Singh and (2) Jai Singh S/o Sawal Singh arrested in connection with F.I.R. No. 355/2021, Police Station Chouhtan, District Barmer shall be released on bail provided each of them furnishes a personal bond of Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees: One Lac Only) and two sureties of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees: Fifty Thousand Only) each to the satisfaction of the trial Court with the stipulation to appear before that Court on all dates of hearing and as and when called upon to do so.
The court established that the severity of injuries and absence of prior criminal records are critical considerations in granting bail under the S.C./S.T. (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The principle of parity in bail applications under the S.C./S.T. (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which mandates that similarly situated individuals should receive similar treatment in bail decisions.
The court considered the age of the prosecutrix, circumstances of the alleged incident, and the delay in filing the report as key factors in granting bail to the accused-appellant.
The court established that in cases involving multiple accused, the presence of no direct allegations against an individual can be a significant factor in granting bail.
The court's decision to grant bail was influenced by the fact that star witnesses had turned hostile, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case.
The court's decision was influenced by the provisions of Section 14-a(2) of the SC/ST act, which allowed for the appellant's release on bail based on the circumstances of the case.
The court may grant bail to an appellant under the SC/ST (Prevention of atrocities) act based on the circumstances and the bail granted to similarly situated co-accused, without expressing any opinio....
The main legal point established in the judgment is the court's discretion in granting bail under the SC/ST (Prevention of atrocities) act, considering the circumstances and arguments presented.
The legal principle established is that the compromise between the parties and the filing of the charge-sheet can influence the decision to grant bail.
The absence of specific allegations and recovery against accused-appellants justifies the granting of bail under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
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