Charge-sheet completion, continued custody, and likely trial delay justify regular bail despite one pending antecedent.

During a programme at the complainant’s house, the applicant was allegedly caught attempting to take a parked Hero Splendor Plus motorcycle.

An FIR was registered for an offence under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), and the applicant was arrested on 06.07.2026.

After the charge-sheet was filed, he sought regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).

He had three criminal antecedents: acquittals in two cases and one pending trial under Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act.

Whether the applicant should be released on regular bail under Section 483 of the BNSS, having regard to the allegations, custody, antecedents, and stage of the proceedings.

Section 483 of the BNSS provides the basis for the High Court to grant regular bail.

Section 303(2) of the BNS was the offence alleged; the Court did not interpret that provision in deciding the bail application.

In assessing bail, the Court considered the nature and gravity of the allegation, completion of investigation and filing of the charge-sheet, the period of custody, criminal antecedents, and the likely time for trial to conclude.

No precedent was cited.

The Court acknowledged the allegation that the applicant was caught while attempting to take the motorcycle, as well as the State’s objection based on the pending Arms Act case.

It nevertheless found bail appropriate because the charge-sheet had been filed, the applicant had remained in custody since 06.07.2026, two of his three antecedent cases had ended in acquittal, and trial was likely to take time.

The Court made no further comment on the merits.

It directed the applicant’s release upon execution of a personal bond of Rs. 50,000 with one surety in the like sum, subject to conditions against influencing persons acquainted with the case, conduct prejudicial to a fair and expeditious trial, and appearance at every trial-court hearing until disposal of the case.