Regular bail granted where the adult relationship appeared consensual and investigation was complete.

The applicant sought regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in connection with Crime No. 353/2026, registered at Police Station Dongargarh for an offence under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The prosecution alleged that, between 5 May 2022 and 16 June 2026, the applicant had sexual intercourse with the victim on several occasions on the pretext of marriage; after he refused to marry her and married someone else, she lodged a complaint.

The applicant argued that the victim was an adult, their relationship was consensual, the victim supported bail, the investigation was complete, and the charge-sheet had been filed. He had been in custody since 23 June 2026.

Whether the applicant should be granted regular bail under Section 483 of the BNSS in light of the allegations and circumstances of the case.

Whether the applicant’s custody, completion of investigation, and filing of the charge-sheet supported release on bail pending trial.

Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, empowers the High Court to grant regular bail.

The alleged offence was under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The Court considered the circumstances relevant to bail, including the apparent nature of the relationship, the victim’s age, the stage of investigation, the applicant’s period in custody, and the likely time required for trial.

The Court noted that the victim was over 18 on the date of the incident and that the relationship appeared to have continued for several years, with the complaint made after the applicant refused to marry her.

It also considered that the investigation was complete, the charge-sheet had been filed, and the applicant had been in custody since 23 June 2026. Weighing these circumstances, the Court found the case suitable for bail, without expressing any opinion on the merits.

The trial court was directed to decide the case on its own merits.