In Brief
A man accused of dowry-related offences and cruelty sought anticipatory bail to prevent arrest. The High Court granted it but unusually limited protection only until filing of the chargesheet. Once the chargesheet was filed, the protection ended, forcing him to seek fresh bail. The Supreme Court allowed his appeal, holding that anticipatory bail does not automatically expire upon filing a chargesheet. Once granted, it ordinarily continues throughout trial unless cancelled for valid reasons like misuse or non-cooperation. The Court clarified that time-based restrictions require special documented reasons and cannot be imposed arbitrarily, emphasizing that bail protects liberty and should not be time-bound without justification.
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