The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in the matter of Jeetendra Versus State of Madhya Pradesh MANU/SC/0321/2020, reiterated the principle of “Bail Not Jail” while allowing the petition for bail of the accused. The petitioner was accused of offences under Section Sections 120B, 177, 181, 193, 200, 323, 420, 498-A and 506 IPC. It was held that:-
“Having heard learned Counsel for the parties as well as the counsel representing the complainant, we are satisfied that the Appellant deserves to be enlarged on bail. The High Court ought to have kept in view that ‘Bail is Rule and jail is exception’. There is no gainsaying that bail should not be granted or rejected in a mechanical manner as it concerns the liberty of a person. In peculiar circumstances of this case where closure report was filed twice, the High Court ought not to have declined bail only because the trial court was yet to accept the said report. Further, the examination of witnesses would depend upon the fate of 2nd closure report. Considering the nature of allegations attributed to the Appellant and the period he has already spent in custody, we are satisfied that he deserves to be released on bail forthwith.”
