'Do Voluntary Service For Covid-19 Control': Bail Condition Imposed By Patna HC[Read Order]

The Patna High Court on Wednesday while granting bail to a man accused in a murder case, directed him to render service as a volunteer for a period of three months from the date of his release in the process of combating the pandemic of Covid-19 of Corona Virus.

Justice Anil Kumar Upadhyay was hearing a criminal application filed by Ranvijay Singh, accused in a case registered under Sections 302, 120(b) read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 27 of the Arms Act.

Appearing for the accused, Senior Advocate Krishna Prasad Singh submitted that his client has been made accused in this case only on the basis of suspicion that he was a kingpin in the commission of crime, even though he was inside the jail.

Applicant has been in custody since October 24, 2019. Krishna Prasad Singh further argued that admittedly the petitioner was not involved in the commission of crime and his name figured only because the co-accused whispered that he had accomplished the job at the instance of this petitioner, who was in custody at the time.

Informant's counsel Bindhyachal Singh submitted that the materials have surfaced to suggest that the petitioner has played a key role in the commission of crime, while he was in jail custody. Also, in order to pressurize the informant's side, the accused has exerted pressure tactics and, as such, he does not deserve bail, Singh said.

Thus, the Court observed-

"Considering the fact that the petitioner is only suspected in the commission of crime and his role is as a conspirator, the petitioner, named above, is directed to be released on bail on furnishing bail bonds of Rs.50,000 with two sureties of the like amount each to the satisfaction of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate-I, Saran, Chapra"

However, the following condition was imposed -

"In addition thereto, the petitioner has to tender his service as a volunteer for a period of three months from the date of his release in the process of combating Corona Virus. The petitioner is required to report the Civil Surgeon, Saran at Chapra on his release so that his services may be utilized by the Civil Surgeon, Saran at Chapra in the process of combating Corona Virus."

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