In Brief
The State of Orissa challenged a High Court order granting bail to Mahimananda Mishra, accused of conspiring to murder a rival businessman. The deceased, a company branch manager, was killed in a bomb and gun attack; the respondent allegedly orchestrated the murder due to business rivalry. Although the respondent fled to Thailand and was deported, the High Court granted bail, finding insufficient prima facie evidence. The Supreme Court set aside the bail order, holding that the High Court failed to consider critical factors: the respondent's past evasion of arrest, his influence and wealth, risk of witness intimidation, and serious criminal antecedents. The Court restored his custody, reaffirming that bail considerations must account for the accused's status, criminal history, and likelihood of interfering with justice.
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