Jose @ Joseph vs State Of Kerala

Bechu Kurian Thomas, J

This is an application seeking regular bail filed under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Petitioner is the sole accused in Crime No.871/2022 of Vandanmedu Police Station, Idukki, alleging offences punishable under Sections 452, 294(b), 323, 324 & 308 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

According to the prosecution, on 25.12.2022 the accused trespassed into the house of the defacto complainant and after abusing her and her husband, he assaulted them by waiving a knife and also attempted to stab the defacto complainant and thereby committed the offences alleged.

Sri.Biju C.Abraham, the learned counsel for the petitioner contended that the entire prosecution allegations are false and the incident as alleged had not occurred.

Smt.M.K.Pushpalatha, the learned Public Prosecutor opposed the grant of bail and contended that the allegations are serious requiring continued detention even though he was arrested on 26.12.2022.

A perusal of the case diary reveals that prima facie there are materials on record to connect the petitioner with the crime. However, since petitioner was remanded to judicial custody on 26.12.2022, I am of the view that the continued detention of the petitioner is not required in the circumstances of the case. Therefore, the petitioner is entitled to be released on bail.

In the result, this application is allowed on the following conditions:-

(a) Petitioner shall be released on bail on him executing a bond for Rs.50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand only) with two solvent sureties each for the like sum to the satisfaction of the court having jurisdiction.

(b) Petitioner shall appear before the Investigating Officer as and when required.

(c) Petitioner shall not intimidate or attempt to influence the witnesses; nor shall he tamper with the evidence or contact the defacto complainant or her family members.

(d) Petitioner shall not commit any similar offences while he is on bail.

(e) Petitioner shall not leave India without the permission of the Court having jurisdiction.

In case of violation of any of the above conditions, the jurisdictional Court shall be empowered to consider the application for cancellation, if any, and pass appropriate orders in accordance with the law, notwithstanding the bail having been granted by this Court.