Rani Saji Sam vs State Of Kerala

Bechu Kurian Thomas, J

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

Petitioner is the second accused in Crime No.551 of 2022 of Pathanamthitta Police Station alleging offences under Sections 409 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Section 3 r/w Section 21(2)(3), Section 5 r/w Section 23 and Section 25(1) of the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act, 2019.

Sri.C.S.Manu, learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is totally innocent and is a housewife, who is being unnecessarily dragged into the crime. It was also pointed out that petitioner was arrested on 21.07.2022 and the investigation is almost complete and hence no further detention is required.

The learned Public Prosecutor opposed the grant of bail and pointed out that there is every chance that the petitioner may influence the witnesses.

Having regard to the fact that petitioner has been in custody for long, I am of the view that continued detention of the petitioner would not serve any purpose. In view of the above, the petitioner is entitled to be released on bail on conditions.

Accordingly, this bail application is allowed on the following conditions:

(i) Petitioner shall be released on bail on her executing a bond for Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty five thousand only) with two solvent sureties each for the like sum to the satisfaction of the court having jurisdiction.

(ii) Petitioner shall appear before the Investigating Officer as and when required;

(iii) Petitioner shall not intimidate or attempt to influence the witnesses; nor shall she tamper with the evidence.

(iv) Petitioner shall not commit any similar offences while she is on bail.

(v) Petitioner shall surrender the Passport before the jurisdictional court.

(vi) Petitioner shall not leave State of Kerala without intimating the Investigating Officer.

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.