Community Service Cannot be a Valid Bail Condition Under BNS: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court has ruled that community service cannot be imposed as a condition for bail, as it constitutes punishment under Section 4(f) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The decision came while hearing a plea by Ajin KV, who challenged bail conditions imposed by a lower court, including mandatory community service, regular police station visits, and psychological counselling.

The High Court struck down the community service and counselling requirements, calling them unjustified. The court also modified his police appearance condition to once a week for two months, after which he must appear only if summoned in writing.