The Supreme Court has granted suspension of sentence and bail to a convict sentenced to ten years’ rigorous imprisonment for his alleged role in a mob incident involving vandalisation of the complainant’s house, while expressing serious concern over the inaction of authorities in checking illegal mining and stone-crushing activities.
A Bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan allowed the petitioner’s plea challenging the Rajasthan High Court’s refusal to suspend his sentence during the pendency of appeal. The Court noted that the petitioner had been in custody for nearly one and a half years, had no criminal antecedents, and that all other co-accused had already been granted bail. It also took into account submissions that the injuries suffered by the complainant and others were simple in nature.
While directing the petitioner’s release on bail on terms to be fixed by the trial court, the Supreme Court recorded its anguish over what it described as a disturbing pattern of administrative apathy. The Bench observed that the incident appeared to be a direct consequence of repeated inaction by authorities, despite villagers approaching them to stop alleged illegal mining and stone-crushing operations in the area.
The Court directed the State to place on record the names and designations of officers responsible for the alleged inaction at the relevant time. It further asked the petitioner to file an affidavit within two weeks, placing on record material to substantiate claims of illegal mining and stone-crushing activities. The matter has been listed for further consideration on March 20, 2026.
Appearances :
For Petitioner(s) : Mr. Namit Saxena, AOR
For Respondent(s) : Mr. Shiv Mangal Sharma, A.A.G.; Mr. Puneet Parihar, Adv.; Mr. Siddharth Bishnoi, Adv.; Ms. Nidhi Jaswal, AOR
