Rajasthan High Court: In an application filed under Section of the (CrPC) seeking cancellation of bail of Former MLA Giriraj Singh Malinga, a single-judge bench of Farjand Ali,* J., cancelled the bail of Respondent 2 based on respondent’s post-bail conduct, including public glorification, threats to witnesses, and misuse of administrative processes, justifies the cancellation of bail.
“Power, influence, position, money, and sentiments, no matter how lofty, must never eclipse the supremacy of law.”
In the instant matter, the complainant alleged that, during a meeting at JVVNL, Badi Hall on 28.03.2022, the former MLA Giriraj Singh Malinga along with others, forcibly entered his office, assaulted him, and hurled casteist abuses due to a dispute over the removal of electricity transformers. A FIR was registered at Police Station Badi, District Dholpur, for offences under Sections , , , , of (IPC) and Sections of the (SC and ST Act). Respondent 2 was arrested and later granted bail by the court on 17-05-2022. The petitioner preferred an application under Section seeking cancellation of bail, citing respondent’s intimidating conduct, concealment of criminal antecedents, misuse of bail, and influence over the system. Vide order dated 24-05-2022, the court issued notices to the respondents, directing the Superintendent of Police, Dholpur, to ensure service, based on the seriousness of the allegations and the respondent’s conduct post-bail.
While discussing implications of Law, the Court asserted that
“No matter the power, influence, position, or wealth, the law’s supremacy must be upheld. Individual actions must align with legal principles to maintain societal cohesion and peace. Under the constitutional framework, individuals are guaranteed comprehensive protection, essential for public confidence in the legal system. Law ensures the protection and enforceability of fundamental rights to life and liberty, emphasizing procedural rigor. The legal system promotes security and reinforces that rights and freedoms are protected by an overarching legal order, ensuring societal stability and individual well-being. Law and society are interconnected, with law emerging from the necessity of peaceful coexistence, establishing its precedence and necessity. Law derives from basic human senses and needs, ensuring equitable protection and balance, enabling society to function cohesively and prosperously. Law is the cornerstone of societal stability, balancing individual rights and collective good, essential for societal development.”
The Court asserted that granting bail is a rule and denial an exception. The Court stated that the accused’s conduct is a crucial factor while deciding bail matters. The Court noted the respondent’s alleged intimidating behavior, misuse of bail, and influence over the system, supported by documents, newspaper articles, and other evidence. The Court stated that it is established principles of law that bail cancellation requires compelling, substantial, and pivotal factors for revoking bail. The Court stated that Bail involves releasing an accused into the custody of a surety, akin to bailment, where the accused is entrusted to ensure appearance in court. The Court asserted that Bail upholds the presumption of innocence, ensuring an accused is not deprived of liberty without adjudication of guilt, balancing individual rights with societal interests.
“Bail, as a judicial mechanism, is meticulously designed to uphold justice by balancing individual rights with societal interests. This delicate equilibrium ensures that while the accused’s liberty is protected, the integrity of the legal process and public safety are not compromised.”
The Court referred to Prasanta Kumar Sarkar v. Ashis Chatterjee, and State of U.P. v. Amaramani Tripathi, , where the Supreme Court laid down broad parameters regarding consideration of bail application by the High courts, included prima facie evidence, nature of accusation, severity of potential punishment, risk of absconding, accused’s character, likelihood of offense repetition, witness influence, and justice being thwarted. The Court cited Ajwar v. Waseem, , where the Supreme Court stated that Bail can be cancelled even without misuse if the initial order is unreasoned or perverse, or if serious allegations exist, indicating the need for a fair trial.
The Court stated that glorification of the accused disrupts the moral fabric of the community and poses challenges to the administration of justice, especially in cases involving public servants. The Court noted that respondent 2 displayed behavior glorifying his release on bail, which could influence public perception and judicial impartiality. The Court stated that his actions included a public rally, menacing speeches, and potential intimidation of witnesses. The Court emphasised that such conduct by a public figure undermines the administration of justice, creates a hostile environment, and threatens the fairness of the trial, warranting bail cancellation. The Court stated that delayed investigation and filing of charges, potentially due to the accused’s influence, further complicates the case and highlights the issues of impartiality and integrity in the process. The Court further noted that post-release threats to witnesses by associates of the accused, which lead to additional legal actions, underscore the necessity of reassessing bail.
The Court found substantial grounds for cancelling the bail of Respondent 2 based on his conduct post-release, influence over investigative proceedings, and threats to witnesses, which collectively undermine the integrity of the judicial process and public trust in the legal system.
[Harshadhipati v. State of Rajasthan, S.B. Criminal Bail Cancellation Application No. 66/2023, order dated 05-07-2024]
*Judgment by Justice Farjand Ali
Advocates who appeared in this case:
Mr. Ajay Kumar Jain, Mr. Mukesh Kumar and Mr. Bhuvnesh Sharma, Counsel for the Petitioner
Mr. Sher Singh Mehla, PP, Mr. Manu Kumar, Mr. Aditya Sharma, Mr. Pankaj Gupta and Mr. Sudhir Jain, Counsel for the Respondents
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