The Supreme Court set aside a stringent bail condition imposed by the Madras High Court requiring the accused to report daily at the police station, holding it to be onerous and inconsistent with the object of granting bail. A two-judge Bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Augustine George Masih modified the impugned condition while allowing the appeal filed by Adaikalavan and his wife, both senior citizens.
The appellants had challenged the condition on the ground that it violated their right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. They contended that the case arose out of a civil dispute and that the daily reporting requirement defeated the very purpose of bail, particularly considering their age and health.
Allowing the appeal, the Court noted that the appellants had fully cooperated with the investigation, had not threatened or influenced any witnesses, and had complied with all other conditions. The Bench confirmed its earlier interim order and directed that the appellants shall continue to cooperate with the investigation and appear before the authorities whenever required, instead of reporting daily.
The Court further clarified that in case of any non-cooperation or delay attributable to the appellants, the investigating agency would be at liberty to seek appropriate remedies, including cancellation of bail.
Appearances:
For Petitioner(s) : Mr. Siddharth R. Gupta, Adv. Mr. Mrigank Prabhakar, AOR Mr. Pavan, Adv. Mr. Aman Agarwal, Adv.; Mr. Uddaish Palya, Adv.; Ms. Surbhi Saxena, Adv.; Ms. Astha Singh, Adv.
For Respondent(s) : Mr. V.Krishnamurthy, A.A.G.; Mr. Sabarish Subramanian, AOR
