Madhya Pradesh High Court Grants Bail to Ajeet Pal Singh with Strict Conditions

Bail Granted Under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, with Conditions to Prevent Victim Inducement and Ensure Trial Attendance

In a significant decision, the Madhya Pradesh High Court at Jabalpur, under the bench of Justice Devnarayan Mishra, granted bail to Ajeet Pal Singh in Misc. Criminal Case No. 44293 of 2025. Singh, who has been in custody since January 13, 2025, was charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The decision was made under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, allowing Singh regular bail with strict conditions.

The court imposed several stringent conditions on Singh, including a prohibition against inducing or threatening the victim, her family, or any prosecution witnesses. Additionally, Singh is required to attend all trial court hearings in person, barring unavoidable circumstances, which must be substantiated with valid documentation. Moreover, the order specifies that if Singh is registered for any substantial offense within a year, the bail will automatically cease, and he may be taken into custody.

The judgment came after the prosecution and defense presented their arguments, with the defense highlighting a lack of direct evidence against Singh and suggesting the charges were rooted in personal vendettas and relationship dynamics. Meanwhile, the prosecution emphasized evidence of blackmail and possession of compromising materials related to the victim, arguing that Singh posed a threat to the victim's safety and the integrity of the judicial process.

Despite the prosecution's objections, the court found merit in the defense's argument that the parties involved were acquainted and that the case had complexities due to personal relationships. The bail conditions aim to balance the accused's right to liberty with the need to protect the victim and ensure an unobstructed trial process.

Singh was ordered to furnish a personal bond of Rs. 50,000 along with a solvent surety of the same amount for his release. Additionally, compliance with Section 480(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, was mandated.

This ruling underscores the judiciary's approach to balancing individual rights with societal safety, particularly in cases involving personal relationships and allegations of coercion or blackmail. The court's decision to grant bail with conditions reflects an effort to maintain judicial fairness while safeguarding potential victims.

Bottom Line:

Bail application under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 allowed with strict conditions including non-inducement of victim or witnesses, compulsory presence on hearing dates, and prohibition of repeating the offence.

Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 483, Sections 64(1), 308(5), 296, 351(3) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Ajeet Pal Singh v. State of Madhya Pradesh, (Madhya Pradesh)(Jabalpur) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2804424