Kushal Diwan v. State of Chhattisgarh
Case brief
What is this about?
The High Court allowed a criminal appeal under Section 14-A(2) of the SC/ST Act challenging the rejection of regular bail by the Special Judge. The appellant was accused of offences under BNS Sections 69, 64 and SC/ST Act Section 3(2)(v) for allegedly having a physical relationship with a Scheduled Caste woman on the pretext of marriage. The court noted a consensual relationship while the victim was a major, the filing of the charge-sheet, the appellant's custody since April 2026, and the likelihood of a delayed trial. Despite the prosecutrix's objection, the court set aside the impugned order and granted bail on conditions.
What did the court decide?
Appeal allowed; order dated 07.07.2026 set aside; appellant to be released on bail on executing a personal bond of Rs. 50,000/- with one surety in the like sum, subject to conditions: (i) no inducement, threat or promise to witnesses; (ii) no act prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial; (iii) appearance before trial court on all dates.