Regular Bail Granted for BNS Offences Citing Completed Investigation and Short Duration of Medical Injury

The applicant, Rajesh Baghel, was arrested on 04.10.2025 in connection with Crime No. 515/2025 for allegedly assaulting the complainant with a vegetable-cutting knife while in an intoxicated state.

The prosecution alleged the applicant demanded money for liquor and caused injuries to the complainant’s neck, cheek, and ear.

Following an investigation and medical examination, the police filed a charge-sheet on 29.12.2025 under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The applicant moved this First Bail Application under the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) contending false implication and completion of the investigation.

Whether the applicant is entitled to regular bail under Section 483 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, considering the nature of the injuries and the progress of the trial.

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

Sections 296 (obscene acts), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 119(1) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 118(1) (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons), and 109 (punishment of abetment) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The Court balanced the gravity of the allegations against the actual medical findings and procedural status of the case.

While the prosecution characterized the injuries as life-threatening, the Court noted that the injuries were, in fact, "simple in nature" and the victim was discharged from the hospital after only one day.

The Court observed that the applicant had been in detention since 04.10.2025, the investigation was complete, and the charge-sheet had already been filed.

Given that the evidence was documentary and in the custody of the prosecution, the Court reasoned there was no significant risk of the applicant tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses during a trial that is expected to take considerable time.

The bail is subject to several conditions, including a prohibition against seeking unnecessary adjournments, mandatory appearance on fixed court dates, and strict compliance with the procedures under Sections 84, 269, and 209 of the BNSS/BNS regarding presence and non-abscondence.