Introduction to Bail in India
Bail serves as a pivotal element in India’s judicial system, allowing accused individuals to secure temporary freedom, ensuring their constitutional rights are upheld. It represents a balance between individual liberty and societal safety, providing a mechanism for those accused to defend themselves effectively.
BAIL MEANING: The term bail is derived from a French word “bailer” which means to deliver or to give. Bail is nowhere defined in Code of Criminal Procedure,1973 but there are provisions of Bail mentioned under sections 436 – 450 of the Criminal Procedural Code,1973.
Section 2(a) of Cr.P.C. defines Bailable and Non-bailable Offence.
Section 2(a)- “bailable offence” means an offence which is shown as bailable in the First Schedule, or which is made bailable by any other law for the time being in force; and non-bailable offence means any other offence.
Importance of Bail: Safeguarding Individual Rights
The term Bail exists because the Indian Judiciary believes that a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Bail is important to safeguard the rights of an individual and to provide them a way out of custody when there are sufficient proofs that the person wouldn’t be of any harm to the society when freed from detention. Therefore, it is extremely important that you choose the Best Lawyer for Bail while filing your Bail Application. Various reasons mentioned below is why Bail is important:
- To help people avoid jail time as the detention is for convicted accused.
- Fundamental idea of our criminal justice system that the defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.
- Keeping people in jail ultimately is an expense that is to be paid by the State, which is quite expensive.
- To give an individual access to normal life as he/she hasn’t been proven guilty yet and has every right to move freely unless he/she is not a threat to the society.
- To avoid doing injustice with people who are completely innocent and have not committed any crime.
Exploring the Types of Bail: Regular, Interim, and Anticipatory
There are three types of Bail. They are:
- Regular Bail
- Interim Bail
- Anticipatory Bail
- Regular Bail: Regular bail is a bail which is filed by your Lawyer for Bail after the arrest of the accused person. This kind of bail can only be granted to an individual who has already been arrested and kept in police custody. Under Sections 437 and 439 of CrPC, gives the accused the procedure to be released from such a custody. Therefore, Regular bail is essentially the discharge of an accused from custody to make sure his presence at the trial.
- Interim Bail: The term Interim bail is nowhere defined in CrPC. Interim bail is granted to an accused before the hearing for the grant of normal bail or anticipatory bail. The concept of Interim bail was introduced by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in 2009, stating that interim bail be granted pending disposal of bail application because arrest and detention of a person may cause irreparable loss on request of your Lawyer for Bail.
- Anticipatory Bail: Anticipatory bail is a type of bail which is granted when there is only an apprehension of arrest and not an actual arrest. Anticipatory bail is also known as pre-arrest bail because it is an advance bail which can be obtained under Section 438 of CrPC. An application can be moved by your Lawyer for Bail in the High Court of concerned State under Section 438 of CrPC and if the anticipatory bail has been granted then an individual can’t be arrested by the police. The presence of the person who has the apprehension of arrest is not required and only their legal representative’s arguments would be enough.
Understanding Transit Bail: A Special Provision
In CrPC, the term Transit bail is nowhere defined or even mentioned. A Transit bail is granted by the court where the jurisdiction doesn’t lie to provide a time period to the accused person so that they can exercise their powers in the concerned court. If the court doesn’t have the jurisdiction, then the applicant can opt for transit bail from such a court and can ask for a protection time period to go and exercise the rights in the concerned court. Therefore, in such cases the High Court can use its inherent power and grant transit bail which is for a particular time period only.
Case: The Toolkit Case
Grounds and Conditions for Granting Bail
GROUNDS FOR BAIL
- Appearing in the court as laid out in the bail.
- The applicant has to make himself available for interrogation by a police officer as directed by the court or as required by the police officer.
- Giving an undertaking to not repeat any similar offence.
- The applicant shouldn’t leave the country without previous permission of the court.
CONDITIONS OF BAIL
- All the allegations levied on the accused is false and frivolous.
- The nature of crime is not such that the accused can be a threat to the society
- There is no direct evidence indicating that the accused has committed the crime.
Bail Application: A Step-by-Step Procedure
A Bail application can be moved in the court under section 437 of Criminal Procedural Code.
If the accused can afford an advocate, then the advocate would make an application and represent his client before the judge.
If the accused cannot afford an advocate he may make a written application to the judge. For this a form is to filled which is provided by the prison staff, the accused needs to fill the form in order to convince the judge to grant bail.
BAIL UNDER CRPC, 1973
Section 167(2) Releasing an arrested person after 60/90 days of custody.
Section 389 Bail pending appeal
Section 436 Bail in bailable offence
Section 437 Bail is non-bailable offence
Section 438 Anticipatory Bail
Section 439 Special powers of High Court in granting Bail
Section 440 Amount of bond
Section 441 Bond of accused and sureties
Section 442 Release of person from custody on Bail
Section 443 Ordering for further security when the first taken is insufficient
Section 444 Discharge of Sureties
Section 445 Deposit of money in lieu of executing surety bond
Section 446 Procedure when a bond has been forfeited
Section 446A Cancellation of bond and bail bond
Section 447 Furnishing of fresh sureties
Section 448 Bond required from minor
Section 449 Appeal from orders under section 446 CrPC
Section 450 Direction of the High Court or Court of Session to Magistrate to levy the amount due on a bond
Section 482 Inherent powers of High Court
ARTICLE 21 AND RIGHT TO BAIL
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is said to enshrine the most important human rights in criminal jurisprudence. That is Right to live freely and with dignity. It is clearly stated in Article 21 that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. Therefore, when a person goes against the laws of the land, he must face consequences as per the law for the same. Such consequences might infringe the rights of an individual because such a consequence is a result of his actions alone.
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF A POLICE OFFICER FOR BAIL
- Granting of bail is a legal right of an individual in bailable offences.
- The accused in custody of the police officer shall be released in case of bailable offence.
- In case of non-bailable offence only the Magistrate can grant bail to the accused.
- If the police officer thinks that there is no sufficient cause to keep the accused in detention, then he can release the accused person on bail.
- If the police officer is of the opinion that the case needs further investigation, even then he can release the accused on bail.
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF A JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE FOR BAIL
- Only a Judicial Magistrate can grant Bail in case of non-bailable offence.
- If the Magistrate thinks that the reasons mentioned in the application by the accused is reasonable and there is need to grant bail, then bail can be granted in such a case.
- Only a session or high court can grant bail to an accused charged with a crime punishable with death or life imprisonment.
Rejection of Bail: Reasons and Consequences
Bail can be rejected by the court in cases where the court doesn’t see any need to grant the bail or when the court is not satisfied with reasons mentioned by the accused.
However, when a bail is rejected the magistrate needs to record the reason for doing so. This is done so that there is clear reasoning and also so that there are necessary records to make a proper appeal for bail in higher courts by your Lawyer for Bail.
FAMOUS CASES
- Bail is the Rule and Jail is an Exception. This was held in Khemlo Sakharam Sawant v State of Maharashtra.
- Prahlad Singh Bhati vs NCT Delhi and Ors. In this case the honorable Supreme Court has mentioned that other relevant grounds which play a vital role in deciding the bail application are –
- The possibility for repetition of crime
- The time lag between the date of occurrence and the conclusion of the trial
- Illegal detention, and
- Undue delay in the trial of the case.
- Hon’ble Supreme Court, in the year 2017 in Aasu vs. State of Rajasthan issued a direction that Bail applications shall be disposed of normally within one week.
- It was recently held by Hon’ble Supreme court on 24.01.2020 While deciding the Criminal Appeal No. 153 of 2020 Title as PRABHAKAR TEWARI VS. STATE OF UP AND ORS. In the para no. 7 “… the offence alleged no doubt is grave and serious and there are several criminal cases pending against the accused. These factor by themselves cannot be the basis for refusal of prayer of bail.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, comprehending the intricacies of bail laws is crucial for navigating the legal landscape in India. Bail stands as a testament to the presumption of innocence, allowing individuals to protect their rights and freedoms. Century Law Firm remains steadfast in offering expert legal counsel, aiding clients in understanding and maneuvering through the complexities of bail procedures and applications.
For expert legal advice and assistance on bail applications and procedures, feel free to contact Century Law Firm. Our experienced lawyers are here to guide you through every step, ensuring your rights are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Addressing Common Queries about Bail in India
1. What is the meaning of bail in India?
Bail is a legal provision allowing an individual accused of a crime to be released from custody, typically on the condition that a sum of money guarantees their appearance in court.
2. How is bail granted in India?
Bail can be granted by a competent court, where the accused or their lawyer submits a bail application. The court considers various factors like the nature and gravity of the offense, the accused’s criminal history, and the likelihood of fleeing before granting bail.
3. What are the different types of bail in India?
There are three main types of bail in India: Regular Bail, Interim Bail, and Anticipatory Bail. Each serves a different purpose and is applicable under different circumstances.
4. Can bail be obtained for non-bailable offenses?
Yes, bail can be obtained for non-bailable offenses, but it is at the discretion of the court and is typically granted under specific conditions and circumstances.
5. How does Century Law Firm assist in bail applications?
Century Law Firm provides expert legal counsel and representation for bail applications, guiding clients through the legal process, drafting bail applications, and presenting compelling arguments in court to secure bail.
6. Is the presence of the accused mandatory for applying for anticipatory bail?
No, for anticipatory bail, the presence of the person who has the apprehension of arrest is not required, and their legal representative’s arguments would be sufficient.
7. What is the significance of transit bail?
Transit bail is granted by a court where jurisdiction doesn’t lie, to provide a time period to the accused person so that they can exercise their rights in the concerned court.
8. Can bail be rejected in India?
Yes, bail can be rejected if the court is not satisfied with the reasons provided by the accused or if the court deems that granting bail could be detrimental to the case or the society.
9. What are the conditions imposed when bail is granted?
Conditions for bail may include regular court appearances, restrictions on travel, and prohibitions on contacting witnesses or other accused individuals.
10. How long does it take to process a bail application in India?
The processing time for a bail application can vary, but bail applications are generally disposed of within one week.
11. Is bail a right under the Indian Constitution?
While bail itself is not a constitutional right, it is a statutory right under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and it is also intertwined with the constitutional right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
12. What is the role of a Judicial Magistrate in granting bail?
A Judicial Magistrate can grant bail in cases of non-bailable offenses, considering the nature of the crime, evidence, and other relevant factors.
13. Can bail be canceled in India?
Yes, bail can be canceled if the accused violates any of the conditions imposed by the court at the time of granting bail.
14. Is there any provision for interim bail in India?
Yes, interim bail can be granted to an accused before the hearing for the grant of regular or anticipatory bail, providing temporary relief.
15. What is the difference between bailable and non-bailable offenses?
Bailable offenses are those for which bail is a right, and the accused can be released on bail by the police itself. Non-bailable offenses are more serious, and only the court has the discretion to grant bail in such cases.
16. Can a person apply for bail multiple times?
Yes, if bail is denied initially, a person can reapply for bail, presenting new facts, evidence, or changed circumstances to the court.
17. What factors are considered by courts when deciding bail applications?
Courts consider the nature and severity of the offense, the accused’s criminal record, the likelihood of the accused fleeing, and the possibility of the accused tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.
18. How does hiring a lawyer benefit in securing bail?
Hiring a lawyer can significantly benefit the accused as the lawyer can draft a comprehensive bail application, represent the accused in court, and present legal arguments effectively to secure bail.
19. Are there any restrictions on travel for an individual out on bail?
Yes, individuals out on bail may have restrictions imposed on their travel, and they may require permission from the court to travel outside the jurisdiction.
20. Can the amount of bail be reduced?
Yes, the accused or their lawyer can request the court to reduce the bail amount by presenting relevant facts and arguments.
21. What happens if the conditions of bail are violated?
Violating bail conditions can lead to the cancellation of bail and immediate arrest of the accused.
22. Is anticipatory bail applicable for all types of crimes?
No, anticipatory bail may not be granted for offenses that are extremely serious in nature or where the accused is deemed a threat to society.
23. Can a person get bail during the trial?
Yes, a person can apply for bail during the trial if they have not been granted bail during the initial stages of the case.
24. What is the importance of bail bonds in securing bail?
Bail bonds are crucial as they act as a surety that the accused will adhere to the bail conditions and appear in court as required.
25. How can one contact Century Law Firm for bail-related inquiries?
One can contact Century Law Firm through their official website, contact number, or email address provided on the website for any bail-related inquiries or legal assistance.
26. What is bail?
Bail is a legal provision that allows a person who has been arrested and detained for an offense to be released from custody, pending trial or sentencing.
27. What is the procedure for getting bail in India?
The procedure for getting bail in India involves filing a bail application before the relevant court. The court then considers the bail application and takes into account various factors such as the nature of the offense, the severity of the offense, the accused’s past criminal record, the likelihood of the accused fleeing the jurisdiction, and the likelihood of the accused tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.
28. Can a person get bail before arrest?
Yes, a person can get anticipatory bail before arrest.
29. Can a person get bail if he/she has been charged with a non-bailable offense?
It is possible to get bail even if a person has been charged with a non-bailable offense. However, the court will consider the severity of the offense and the likelihood of the accused tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses before granting bail.
30. How can Century Law Firm help in getting bail?
At Century Law Firm, we have a team of experienced lawyers who specialize in bail cases. Our lawyers have a deep understanding of the bail laws and procedure in India and have successfully represented clients in a variety of bail cases. Our lawyers work closely with our clients to understand their case, develop a comprehensive legal strategy, and represent them before the court. With their expertise, our lawyers are able to provide our clients with the best possible legal representation, ensuring a swift resolution of their case.
31. How can a lawyer for bail help in the bail application process?
A lawyer for bail can help in the bail application process by assisting the accused in drafting the bail application and presenting it before the court. A lawyer for bail can also argue the case on behalf of the accused, highlighting the factors that support granting bail. They can also provide guidance to the accused on how to present themselves before the court, and what steps to take to improve their chances of getting bail.
32. Why is it important to hire a good lawyer for bail?
Hiring a good lawyer for bail is important because bail can be a complex and tricky legal process. A good lawyer for bail can help ensure that the accused’s rights are protected and that they get the best possible outcome in their case. A lawyer for bail can also help the accused understand the legal process and provide support throughout the entire bail process. The expertise of a good lawyer for bail can make a significant difference in the accused’s ability to secure bail and their future prospects.
33. What sets Century Law Firm’s lawyers for bail apart from others?
At Century Law Firm, our lawyers for bail are well-versed in the bail laws and procedures in India. They have years of experience in representing clients in bail cases, and have a track record of achieving successful outcomes for their clients. Our lawyers are known for their strategic approach and their ability to understand the unique circumstances of each client’s case. They work tirelessly to ensure that their clients get the best possible legal representation and a favourable outcome in their case. If you need assistance with your bail case, you can trust our lawyers to provide you with the best possible legal guidance and representation.
So if you are looking for the best lawyer for bail, you may contact Century Law Firm today.
Also Read:
Things To Consider Before Choosing A Criminal Lawyer in Delhi
Offences Against Children You Might Not Know: POCSO Act, 2012
Does Police Need Search Warrant? Here’s What the Law Says