Mallidi Venu Gopal Reddy v. The State of Andhra Pradesh
Case brief
What is this about?
The High Court of Andhra Pradesh granted pre-arrest bail to three petitioners accused of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under Sections 120b, 420, 467, 468, and 471 read with 34 of the IPC. The petitioners alleged false implication and highlighted their status as law-abiding citizens and sole breadwinners. The Court noted a Coordinate Bench had previously granted bail in related cases and that the bail granted in similar recent petitions was subject to stringent conditions. Balancing the gravity of allegations against the circumstances, the Court allowed the petition subject to specific conditions including bail bonds, regular appearances, and restrictions on leaving the state.
What did the court decide?
The Criminal Petition is allowed, granting pre-arrest bail to the petitioners subject to executing a bond of Rs. 20,000 each with two sureties, making themselves available for investigation, not tampering with witnesses, appearing before the SHO weekly, not leaving the state without permission, and surrendering passports.