Bail Matters in India

Know Your Legal Rights – By Deenis Law Chamber

What is Bail?

Bail is a legal right allowing an accused person to be released from custody pending trial. It upholds the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” and safeguards personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Types of Bail

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Regular Bail

Granted after arrest, for release during the investigation/trial.

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Anticipatory Bail

Pre-arrest bail when one anticipates being arrested for a non-bailable offence.

Interim Bail

Temporary bail given before the final hearing of a regular/anticipatory bail.

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Default Bail

Granted if charge sheet isn’t filed in 60/90 days under CrPC Section 167(2).

Landmark Supreme Court Judgments

Satender Kumar Antil v. CBI (2022)

Structured bail guidelines; reinforced liberty. Introduced offence categories for bail.

Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014)

Directed police to avoid unnecessary arrests; introduced mandatory notice under Section 41A CrPC.

Sanjay Chandra v. CBI (2011)

Bail should not be denied to punish. Emphasized liberty during long trials.

Gautam Navlakha v. NIA (2021)

Default bail is a right, not discretion. Reaffirmed liberty during investigation delays.

Bail Restrictions Under Special Acts

Act Section Condition
NDPS Act Section 37 Strict bail conditions for commercial quantity cases.
PMLA Section 45 Twin conditions must be met to grant bail.
UAPA Section 43D(5) Bail not granted if prima facie case exists.