GRANT OF BAIL ON GROUNDS OF PARITY, PENDING TRIAL, AND MONETARY ORIGIN OF DISPUTE.

The applicant filed a first bail application under Section 483 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023

The prosecution alleged that on January 16, 2026, the applicant abused and threatened the complainant’s daughter after consuming liquor. Later that day, the applicant and a co-accused allegedly poured petrol on the complainant's door, set it on fire, and damaged household articles

The applicant contended that he was in a live-in relationship with the complainant's daughter, and the case was a false implication following a monetary dispute where he refused her further demands

The applicant has been in custody since January 17, 2026

1. Whether the applicant is entitled to regular bail considering the nature of the allegations, the duration of custody, and the principle of parity with the co-accused

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

The charges involved Sections 296 (Obscene acts/songs), 351(3) (Criminal intimidation), 119(1) (Grievous hurt by dangerous weapon), 326(G) (Mischief by fire), 333 (House-trespass), and 3(5) (Common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

The Court observed the principle of parity, noting that the co-accused had already been granted bail

The Court evaluated the gravity of the offence against the personal history of the parties. It noted that the dispute appeared to stem from a personal and monetary conflict between the applicant and the complainant’s daughter, who had resided together for several years

Although the State argued the applicant had 10 criminal antecedents, the applicant clarified he had been acquitted in 8 of those cases

The Court found that since the charge-sheet had already been filed and the trial would take considerable time, continued detention was not warranted

The Court held that the applicant stood on a similar footing to the co-accused who was granted bail by the trial court, thus justifying bail on the grounds of parity

The Court ordered the applicant's release on furnishing a personal bond with two sureties. The holding was conditioned upon the applicant's regular appearance for trial, a prohibition against seeking unnecessary adjournments, and strict compliance with Sections 269 and 209 of the BNS regarding presence and non-abuse of liberty