Completion of investigation and prolonged pretrial custody justified bail despite serious allegations.

The petitioners, accused Nos. 1 and 2, sought regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), in Crime No. 184/2026 of Shorapur Police Station, registered for offences under Sections 109, 115(2), 118(1), 118(2), 3(5), 351(1) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).

The prosecution alleged that, following a dispute over a money transaction, the petitioners assaulted Manappa near Hindustan Transport in Shorapur on 11 July 2026; the victim sustained injuries, including an abdominal injury, and was taken to hospital.

The police completed the investigation and filed a charge sheet. The petitioners had been in judicial custody since 12 July 2026, and the victim was discharged from hospital on 16 July 2026.

Section 483 of the BNSS empowers the High Court to grant bail.

In deciding whether to exercise that power, the Court considered the nature of the allegations and alleged roles, the investigation’s completion and filing of the charge sheet, the period of custody, the petitioners’ local residence and antecedents, and the risks of interference with witnesses or proceedings.

The Court applied the stated principle that “bail is rule and jail is an exception,” and that pre-trial detention should not operate as punishment for the alleged offence.

It also held that apprehensions about interference could be addressed through suitable bail conditions.

The Court acknowledged that the prosecution alleged specific overt acts and that the petitioners’ claim of innocence did not merit determination at the bail stage.

It nevertheless considered that the victim had been discharged after four days in hospital, the investigation was complete and the charge sheet filed, the petitioners had already spent more than two and a half months in custody, and no antecedents or need for further custodial interrogation had been shown.

The petitioners’ permanent residence within the jurisdiction and the ability to address risks through conditions further supported release.

Bail was subject to conditions requiring them to attend court and assist in the trial, appear before the police when required, refrain from tampering with witnesses or hampering the proceedings, and commit no similar or other offence while the case is pending; breach would result in cancellation of bail.