Anticipatory bail is justified where criminal allegations arise from longstanding civil land disputes.

The petitioners, described in the order as accused Nos. 1–4, 7, 12 and 14–16, sought anticipatory bail in Crime No. 99/2026 of Srirangapatna Rural Police Station, registered under Sections 143, 147, 447, 427, 506, 341, 419, 466, 471 and 420 read with Section 149 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

The FIR arose from allegations of trespass and damage to property amid longstanding disputes concerning land in Survey Nos. 11 and 18, with revenue proceedings dating to 1991–92.

After their applications were rejected by the Sessions Court, the petitioners approached the High Court under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; accused Nos. 5 and 6 had previously been granted anticipatory bail

1. Whether the petitioners were entitled to anticipatory bail in Crime No. 99/2026, having regard to the allegations and the surrounding land dispute

2. If anticipatory bail were granted, what conditions should govern the petitioners’ release in the event of arrest

Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, provides the basis for seeking anticipatory bail.

The Court considered the alleged offences under Sections 143, 147, 447, 427, 506, 341, 419, 466, 471, 420 and 149 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

The order cites no precedent; it assesses the nature of the allegations, the existence of multiple civil disputes, and the petitioners’ undertaking to cooperate with the investigation

The Court noted that the allegations arose against the background of longstanding and multiple civil disputes concerning the disputed land, and that the FIR alleged trespass and damage to property.

It also took account of the prior grant of anticipatory bail to accused Nos. 5 and 6 and the petitioners’ undertaking to cooperate with the police.

In light of those circumstances, the Court considered anticipatory bail appropriate, subject to conditions intended to secure the petitioners’ participation in the investigation and trial and prevent interference with the prosecution

The petitioners must appear before the Investigating Officer within 15 days of receiving the order and execute a personal bond of ₹1,00,000 each with two sureties for the like sum; they must attend the Trial Court unless exempted, cooperate with the investigation and appear when called, refrain from tampering with prosecution witnesses, and not involve themselves in similar offences in future.