Regular bail granted where investigation is complete, charge-sheet filed, and custodial interrogation is no longer required.

The applicant, a Sub Divisional Officer in Rural Mechanical Services, was arrested on 19.02.2026 for allegedly demanding a bribe of ₹80,000 to enhance the valuation of construction work at a government school.

It is alleged that the applicant received ₹15,000 previously and was caught in a trap by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while accepting a further ₹25,000.

The applicant contended he was falsely implicated due to a prior dispute with the complainant regarding "peti contracts" and noted that the valuation report had been finalized and submitted prior to the alleged trap.

Following the completion of the investigation, a charge-sheet was filed.

1. Whether the applicant is entitled to grant of regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, considering the completion of the investigation and the nature of the allegations.

Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which governs the power of the High Court or Sessions Court to grant bail.

Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, under which the offence was registered.

The court balanced the gravity of the economic offence (bribery) against standard bail principles, including the duration of custody, the absence of criminal antecedents, and the lack of necessity for further custodial interrogation once the charge-sheet is filed.

The court examined the applicant's custody duration (since 19.02.2026) and the procedural status of the case, noting that the investigation was complete and the charge-sheet had already been filed before the competent court.

Although the State opposed bail on the grounds that the applicant was caught red-handed in a trap [para 4], the court found that since the applicant was already suspended from service and the trial would likely take time, there was no immediate risk of him tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.

The court also took into account the applicant’s clean criminal record and the fact that further custodial interrogation was not required for the trial's progression.

The holding directed the applicant's release upon furnishing a personal bond with two sureties, subject to specific conditions: the applicant must not seek unnecessary adjournments [para 8(i)], must appear on all trial dates [para 8(ii)], and must be present specifically for charge framing and recording of statements under Section 351 of the BNSS [para 8(iv)]. Any violation of these conditions would allow the trial court to treat the default as an abuse of liberty.