Grant of regular bail for cheating under BNS where charge-sheet is filed despite similar criminal antecedents.

The applicant, Taksh Kumar Tandon, was arrested on October 18, 2025, in connection with Crime No. 503/2025

The complainant, Kamal Narayan Verma, alleged that on September 18 and 19, 2025, the applicant purchased paddy worth Rs. 15,33,082/- and issued a cheque from HDFC Bank despite knowing there were insufficient funds, thereby cheating multiple farmers

The applicant contended that the FIR was delayed by one month, the cheque was for security only, and he had already paid the complainant

This is the first bail application filed under Section 483 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)

1. Whether the applicant is entitled to the grant of regular bail considering his period of custody, the filing of the charge-sheet, and his criminal antecedents

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

Section 318(4) of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property

Procedural compliance and bail conditions were governed by Section 269 of the BNS (non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant), Section 84 of the BNSS (proclamation for person absconding), and Section 351 of the BNSS (evidence in presence of accused)

The Court weighed the severity of the allegations against the procedural status of the case. It noted that while the applicant had two criminal antecedents of a similar nature, he had been granted bail in one and provided explanations for both in his application

The Court observed that the charge-sheet had already been filed and the applicant had been in continuous judicial custody since October 18, 2025

Given that the trial's conclusion would likely take significant time, the Court reasoned that further incarceration was not required, provided stringent conditions were imposed to ensure the applicant's presence and prevent the abuse of liberty

The High Court allowed the bail application and ordered the release of the applicant on personal bond with two sureties

Relief was granted subject to conditions: the applicant must not seek unnecessary adjournments, must appear at every hearing, and must comply with procedural requirements under Sections 209 and 351 of the BNSS