Anticipatory bail granted on grounds of parity as similarly situated co-accused were already released on regular bail.

The applicant sought anticipatory bail regarding Crime No. 0020/2026 at Police Station Saraswati Nagar, Raipur

The prosecution alleged that the applicant and co-accused induced a complainant company into an Agreement to Sell for immovable property dated 16.12.2025, receiving approximately Rs. 11.51 crores via banking channels

It was alleged that the accused suppressed the fact that the property was already mortgaged and subject to recovery proceedings before the Debt Recovery Tribunal, causing wrongful loss

The applicant claimed parity, noting that the main co-accused (Pritam, Narayan Prasad, and Pankaj Tekriwal) were granted regular bail by the Court on 13.02.2026

1. Whether the applicant is entitled to the protection of anticipatory bail under the principle of parity and the absence of criminal antecedents

Section 482 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which governs the grant of anticipatory bail

Sections 318(4) (cheating), 338 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 336(3) (forgery of valuable security/will), and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023 (BNS)

doctrine of parity, ensuring that similarly situated accused persons receive consistent judicial treatment regarding liberty

The Court examined the nature of the allegations involving the suppression of financial encumbrances during a high-value property transaction

It noted the applicant’s contention that she had no prior criminal record

Central to the court’s reasoning was the fact that the primary co-accused had already been granted regular bail in February 2026

Finding that the applicant's case was similarly placed to those already granted bail, and noting the State’s inability to dispute the parity or the lack of antecedents, the Court determined that custodial interrogation was not warranted

The Court directed that in the event of arrest, the applicant be released upon executing a personal bond with one surety. This relief was made subject to conditions, including non-inducement of witnesses, regular appearance before the trial court, submission of verified Aadhaar details, and a mandate not to involve herself in future similar offences