In Brief
Three consolidated criminal appeals challenge High Court bail orders in a serious criminal case involving alleged murder, conspiracy, and use of deadly weapons. The incident arose from a land dispute where the respondent, an NRI, allegedly orchestrated an armed attack during which one person was shot dead and multiple others injured. The Supreme Court found strong prima facie evidence of guilt from video recordings and testimony. The Court held that bail courts must carefully assess evidence and culpability; that the respondent's foreign nationality is irrelevant; and that High Courts cannot issue mandatory directions to subordinate courts to grant bail. All three appeals were allowed and the bail orders were set aside.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.