In Brief
A man married in November 2020 was accused of dowry-related offences (Section 498A IPC and others) and harassment. He applied for anticipatory bail but was rejected by the Sessions Court. The High Court initially protected him but later rejected his bail application without proper reasoning, directing him to surrender and seek regular bail. The Supreme Court allowed his appeal, holding that once charge-sheet is filed and an accused has cooperated with investigation, bail should ordinarily be granted. The Court emphasised that personal liberty is fundamental, arrest requires necessity under Section 41A CrPC, and bail conditions must be case-specific, not routine. The Court issued comprehensive directions to police and courts nationwide to ensure strict compliance with arrest procedures.
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