Regular bail application under Sections 341/323/324/326/307/34 IPC arising from a 2008 Gumla FIR. Petitioner alleged to have assaulted informant by fists and slaps; co-accused with graver knife allegations already acquitted. Court granted bail on furnishing bonds of Rs.10,000 with two sureties, one being her own relative.
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Neutral Citation No.
( 2026:JHHC:6423 )
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI B.A. No. 1363 of 2026
Ashrita Devi ..… Petitioner
Versus The State of Jharkhand ….. Opp.Party
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY PRASAD
For the Petitioner : Mr. Ritesh Kumar, Advocate For the State : Mr. Azeemuddin, Advocate
04/10.03.2026 The present bail application has been filed on behalf of the petitioner for grant of regular bail, who is in custody in connection with Spt. S.T. Case No. 80 of 2025 arising out of Gumla P.S. Case No. 240 of 2008, instituted for the offences under Sections 341/323/324/326/307/34 of I.P.C. 2. As per F.I.R., it is alleged that on 21.09.2008 an altercation took place between the Informant and the petitioner side in which the petitioner along with co-accused Ishwar Oraon and Karma Oraon are alleged to have assaulted the Informant and coaccused Ishwar Oraon is alleged to have assaulted the Informant with a knife on the head and abdomen, whereas the petitioner is alleged to have assaulted the Informant by fists and slaps.
3. Heard Mr. Ritesh Kumar, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. Azeemuddin, learned A.P.P. 4. It is submitted that the petitioner is innocent and has committed no offence. It is submitted that the petitioner has gone out of State for her livelihood in Kerala and due to which she could not attend the Court on 15.09.2011, which was fixed for framing of charge and as such, her bail bonds were cancelled.
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Neutral Citation No.
( 2026:JHHC:6423 )
5. It is submitted that the co-accused Ishwar Oraon has been acquitted by the learned Assistant Sessions Judge-I, Gumla vide judgment dated 14.05.2008 passed in S.T. No.158 of 2009 against whom there was allegation of assaulting the Informant by knife on his head and abdomen.
It is submitted that the petitioner is a lady and she in custody since 22.11.2025. Hence, she may be enlarged on bail.
6. Learned A.P.P. has opposed the prayer for bail. It is submitted that the petitioner had also assaulted the Informant by fists and slaps causing injury upon him. 7. It is submitted that the petitioner remained absconded from 15.09.2011 till 22.11.2025, i.e. for more than 14 years she has misused the privilege of bail and hence, her prayer for bail may be rejected.
8. Perused the F.I.R. and impugned order and also the judgment dated 14.05.2008 passed in S.T. No.158 of 2009 by the learned Assistant Sessions Judge-I, Gumla and considered the submission of both the sides. 9. It appears that co-accused Ishwar Oraon, who was alleged to have assaulted the O.P.No.2 by knife on his head and abdomen, has already been acquitted by the learned Assistant Sessions Judge-I, Gumla vide judgment dated 14.05.2008 passed in S.T. No.158 of 2009.
10. It appears from the F.I.R. that the petitioner has merely alleged to have assaulted the Informant by fists and slaps and leg.
11. Under the circumstances, considering the facts of the case and custody of the petitioner, the petitioner, namely Ashrita Devi is directed to be released
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Neutral Citation No.
( 2026:JHHC:6423 )
on bail, on furnishing bail bonds of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten thousand) with two sureties of the like amount each in connection with Spt. S.T. Case No. 80 of 2025 arising out of Gumla P.S. Case No. 240 of 2008, to the satisfaction of learned Sessions Judge, Gumla, subject to the condition that one of the bailors should be own relative of the petitioner.
12. Thus, this B.A.No.1363 of 2026 is allowed.
(Sanjay Prasad, J.)
s.m. Dated 10.03.2026
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1 issue framed by the court
Whether the petitioner, in custody since 22.11.2025 with a minor role and an acquitted co-accused, should be granted regular bail despite prolonged absence from trial.
1 provisions across 1 enactments
Ashrita Devi
The State of Jharkhand
Sanjay Prasad
As recorded by the court registry
Judgements on the same questions, provisions and authorities, from every court
