Grant of bail for motor accident involving multiple fatalities where technical fault was alleged and charge-sheet filed.

The applicant, a professional driver, was arrested on 28.02.2026 in connection with Crime No. 208/2026.

According to the prosecution, on 27.02.2026, the applicant was driving a trailer (CG-11-BD-9044) which collided with a Mahindra Scorpio, resulting in the immediate death of four individuals.

The applicant sought regular bail, contending that the accident was caused by a technical fault in the vehicle rather than rash or negligent driving.

The State opposed the bail, citing the gravity of the offense and the loss of multiple lives.

1. Whether the applicant is entitled to the grant of regular bail under Section 483 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, considering the nature of the accident and his period of incarceration.

Section 483 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, regarding the High Court's power to grant bail.

Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, specifically Section 281 (Rash driving), Section 125(a) (Causing hurt by act endangering life), and Section 105 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder).

Procedural compliance under Sections 269, 84, 209, and 351 of the BNSS to ensure the applicant’s participation in the trial.

The Court balanced the severity of the incident (four fatalities) against the mitigating factors presented by the applicant, noting the applicant's defense that the collision stemmed from a "technical fault" rather than criminal negligence.

Heavily influencing the decision was the fact that the applicant had no prior criminal antecedents.

Procedurally, the Court observed that the charge-sheet had already been filed and the applicant had been in custody since February 2026; given that a trial conclusion would take considerable time, the Court determined that continued pre-trial detention was not warranted, provided strict conditions were imposed.

The applicant was ordered to be released on bail upon furnishing a personal bond with two sureties, subject to specific conditions: no unnecessary adjournments, appearance on all trial dates, no absconding or facing proclamation proceedings under Section 84 BNSS, and presence for framing of charges and recording of statements.