Bail granted to Ramarao Mundadla and co-accused under new legal provisions, considering socio-economic status and absence of criminal history.
In a significant development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Jabalpur Bench, presided over by Justice Sanjeev S Kalgaonkar, has granted bail to Ramarao Mundadla and his co-accused in a high-profile case involving allegations of fraudulently promising government jobs in exchange for money. The court's decision was delivered on June 19, 2026, under Misc. Criminal Case No. 14796 of 2026.
The applicants, Ramarao Mundadla and Mudili Janardhana Naidu, were accused under Sections 120B read with 420 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. They were alleged to have been part of a conspiracy to collect money from candidates by falsely promising them government employment.
In his judgment, Justice Kalgaonkar considered several factors, including the socio-economic status of the applicants, the absence of any prior criminal records, and the lack of compelling reasons to continue their incarceration. The court noted that the applicants had been in judicial custody since March 16, 2026, and that the trial was expected to take considerable time to conclude.
The defense argued that the applicants were victims of fraud themselves, having been misled by the main accused, Achyutanand Azad, who had already been granted bail due to personal circumstances. It was submitted that applicant No.1, Ramarao Mundadla, a constable in the CRPF, was willing to deposit Rs. 15 lakhs as a gesture of good faith.
While opposing the bail application, the respondent's counsel highlighted the gravity of the offenses and the evidence suggesting the applicants' involvement in the fraudulent scheme. However, the court emphasized the lack of criminal antecedents and the socio-economic circumstances, concluding that there was no likelihood of the applicants fleeing or tampering with evidence.
Consequently, the court granted bail to the applicants, subject to conditions such as the deposit of Rs. 15 lakhs by Ramarao Mundadla, compliance with specific attendance and non-inducement conditions, and adherence to the provisions of Section 346 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, during the trial.
This judgment marks a notable application of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, a new legal framework, showcasing the court's balanced approach in considering the socio-economic realities of the accused while ensuring justice and compliance with legal standards.
Bottom line:-
Bail granted under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 considering socio-economic status, absence of criminal antecedents, and lack of compelling reasons for continued incarceration.
Statutory provision(s): Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Sections 120B and 420 of IPC, Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, Section 346 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Ramarao Mundadla v. CBI, (Madhya Pradesh)(Jabalpur) : Law Finder Doc id # 2928990
