Bail granted due to absence of direct evidence and prolonged custody; conditions imposed for regular court appearance and police station visits.
In a significant development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Indore Bench, has granted bail to Anwar Kadri, implicated in a high-profile case involving allegations of forced conversion and related offenses. The bail application was heard by Justice Subodh Abhyankar under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973.
Kadri, who had been in custody since August 29, 2025, was accused alongside co-accused Sahil, who had already secured bail from the same court in November 2025. The allegations primarily revolved around conversion activities, with the prosecutrix not naming Kadri as a direct perpetrator. The prosecution's case against Kadri primarily relied on the memo of co-accused Sahil, under Section 23(2) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
During the hearing, Kadri's counsel, Shri Sanjay Kumar Sharma, argued that the applicant had no direct involvement in the alleged crimes and that the evidence was insufficient to keep him detained. He emphasized that the trial's final resolution would take considerable time, urging the court to grant bail.
The State, represented by Shri Aditya Garg, opposed the bail, highlighting Kadri's involvement in eighteen other cases. Despite this, the court acknowledged the lack of direct evidence against Kadri and the prolonged custody period. Justice Abhyankar decided to grant bail with specific conditions, including a personal bond of Rs. 25,000 and regular appearances in court and at the police station every Sunday.
The decision reflects the court's careful consideration of the case's complexities, balancing the absence of direct evidence against Kadri with the necessity of ensuring his availability for trial proceedings. The court also noted that any violation of the bail conditions could lead to cancellation, ensuring a legal safeguard.
Bottom Line:
Bail application under Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 allowed considering the co-accused's bail, lack of direct evidence against the applicant, and prolonged custody.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 483, Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 Section 439, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Sections 111(2)(B), 238, 249, 303(2), 351(3), 61(2)(A), 64, 64(2)(M), Freedom of Religion Act, 2021 Sections 3, 4.
Anwar Kadri v. State Of Madhya Pradesh, (Madhya Pradesh)(Indore) : Law Finder Doc id # 2849436
