Mool Chand vs State of Haryana

Satish Kumar Mittal, J.—Petitioner Mool Chand, who is father-in-law of the deceased, has filed this petition u/s 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for grant of regular bail in case FIR No. 193 dated 20.10.2005 u/s 498-A, 304-B, 34 IPC, registered at Police Station Sadar, Sonepat.

I have heard the arguments of learned counsel for the parties and have gone through the contents of the FIR as well as the order dated 20.1.2006, passed by Addl. Sessions Judge, Sonepat, whereby bail to the petitioner has been declined.

In this case, after 5-1/2 years of the marriage, the deceased Poonam burnt herself. As per the medical record, the petitioner took her to the Hospital. Counsel for the petitioner contends that the petitioner, who is 70 years old, has been falsely implicated in this case. In the FIR, it has been alleged that the husband of the deceased is an addict drunker and he used to beat the deceased for bringing less dowry. He is in custody in this case. Counsel further contends that as far as the petitioner is concerned, vague allegations have been levelled against him that he was also harassing the deceased for bringing more dowry, though there is no specific allegation in this regard. Counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is in custody since November 7, 2005 and the trial will take longtime to conclude.

In view of the aforesaid facts, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, I deem it appropriate to grant bail to the petitioner and he is, accordingly, ordered to be released on bail subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the trial Court.