Anticipatory bail granted after weighing the allegations, internal committee findings, and low flight risk.

The applicant, a Deputy Manager at the State Bank of India, sought anticipatory bail in Crime No. 372/2026, registered under Sections 74, 75(2) and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).

The complainant, also a bank employee, alleged that the applicant had approached her in a market, sought sexual favours, persistently stalked her and visited her home with improper intent

The applicant denied the allegations and relied, among other matters, on an earlier criminal complaint he had lodged against the complainant and a departmental Internal Committee report finding insufficient evidence to establish the allegations.

The State and the objector opposed bail, relying on the alleged conduct and the complainant’s account.

The High Court had granted interim anticipatory bail at the first hearing.

Whether the applicant was entitled to anticipatory bail in connection with Crime No. 372/2026

Whether the applicant should be released on anticipatory bail subject to conditions securing the investigation and trial

Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), provides for anticipatory bail.

The Court considered the nature of the allegations, the parties’ submissions, the applicant’s employment, the Internal Committee’s findings and the likelihood of the applicant absconding when deciding whether to grant relief.

The alleged offences were under Sections 74, 75(2) and 78 of the BNS.

The Court considered the allegation that the applicant had caught the complainant’s hand and sought sexual favours in a public place, alongside the parties’ prior dispute and the applicant’s account of related proceedings.

Taking into account the nature of the allegations, the applicant’s employment, the Internal Committee’s findings and the absence of a likelihood of absconding, the Court found it appropriate to grant anticipatory bail without expressing any opinion on the merits.

It directed that, in the event of arrest, the applicant be released on anticipatory bail on executing a personal bond of ₹25,000 with one surety for the like amount.

The applicant must make himself available for interrogation when required, must not intimidate or influence persons acquainted with the case, must not prejudice a fair and expeditious trial, and must attend the trial Court on each date fixed until disposal of the trial.