The case revolves around the cancellation of bail granted to three accused in the murder. The Supreme Court of India set aside the bail orders issued by the Allahabad High Court, citing that the bail was granted without detailed consideration of the facts and seriousness of the crime. The Court observed that the accused were involved in a heinous act, and bail was granted on the basis of insufficient reasoning, which included merely following earlier orders for co-accused. The apex court directed the accused to surrender within 10 days but allowed them the liberty to file fresh bail applications at an appropriate stage.
The Supreme Court of India heard appeals challenging the orders passed by the Allahabad High Court, which granted bail to Abdullah, Nasir, and Muzammil, accused in the murder of Khursheed Ahmad. The case, registered under Sections 147, 148, 149, 302, 336, and 427 of the Indian Penal Code, stemmed from a grievous attack resulting in the victim's death.
The appellant, who is the informant in the case, argued that the High Court granted bail without adequately considering the involvement of the accused in the crime. The appellant emphasized that the accused had threatened him and that a co-accused’s bail, granted earlier, had already been canceled by the Supreme Court.
The appellant’s counsel contended that the High Court mechanically granted bail by merely referring to earlier orders, disregarding the gravity of the allegations and the extent of injuries suffered by the deceased. On the other hand, the respondents’ counsel claimed that the accused were falsely implicated and that further incarceration would be unjust.
The Supreme Court noted that the High Court failed to consider the specifics of the crime, particularly the brutal manner in which the deceased was assaulted, leading to severe injuries, including fractured ribs. The Court highlighted that the High Court’s orders were based on insufficient grounds and overlooked the relevant facts.
The Supreme Court set aside the bail orders and directed the accused to surrender within 10 days. The Court clarified that its observations should not influence future bail applications, which could be filed at an appropriate stage and considered on their own merits.
This judgment underscores the need for courts to rigorously assess the facts and circumstances, especially in serious offenses like murder, before granting bail.
Case Title: AQEEL AHMAD VERSUS STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANOTHER
Citation: 2024 LawText (SC) (4) 52
Case Number: Criminal Appeal No. of 2024 (Arising out of S.L.P. (Crl.) No. 8347 OF 2023) WITH Criminal Appeal No. of 2024 (Arising out of S.L.P. (Crl.) No. 8348 OF 2023) AND Criminal Appeal No. of 2024 (Arising out of S.L.P. (Crl.) No. ………..OF 2024 @ D.No.53136 of 2023))
Date of Decision: 2024-04-05