Bail Warranted on Parity Where the Accused’s Alleged Role Was Merely That of a Peon.

The applicant sought regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in Crime No. 585/2024, registered for alleged offences under Sections 318(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Sections 6 and 10 of the Chhattisgarh Protection of Depositors’ Interests Act, 2005.

The prosecution alleged that the applicant worked as a peon at a company office involved in inducing women to deposit ₹30,000 each on promises of financial assistance, loans and monthly payments; the collected funds were allegedly misappropriated.

The applicant contended that she had no role in the transactions or collection of money and relied on parity with nine co-accused who had been granted bail.

She had been in custody since 4 August 2026, and the trial was likely to take time.

The State opposed bail but did not dispute that co-accused had been released.

Whether the applicant was entitled to regular bail having regard to her alleged role, the bail granted to co-accused, her period of custody and the likely duration of the trial.

Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, provides the basis for the High Court’s consideration of an application for regular bail.

In deciding the application, the Court considered the nature of the allegations, the role attributed to the applicant, parity with co-accused, the period of custody and the likely time required to conclude the trial.

The Court considered the applicant’s alleged role to be limited to working as a peon, alongside the fact that several co-accused in the same crime had already been granted bail.

It also took into account the applicant’s custody since 4 August 2026 and the prospect of a lengthy trial.

On those circumstances, and without expressing any view on the merits, the Court found that the applicant deserved regular bail.

The Court directed that the applicant be released on executing a personal bond of ₹50,000 with one surety for the like sum, to the satisfaction of the trial Court.

Bail was subject to conditions prohibiting interference with witnesses or the fair trial and requiring appearance on every date fixed by the trial Court until disposal.