Punjab & Haryana High Court: Accused Should First Seek Bail from Sessions Court

The Punjab & Haryana High Court clarified that while both the High Court and Sessions Court have concurrent jurisdiction to grant regular bail under Section 439 CrPC, an accused should ordinarily approach the Sessions Court first. 

Justice Sumeet Goel emphasised this procedural preference due to practical reasons such as accessibility and case record availability. 

The High Court may be approached directly only under exceptional circumstances, depending on the case facts, like threats or legal complexities. 

In a specific CBI corruption case, the Court granted bail directly, stressing that bail remains the rule and custody the exception.

(Dr. Amit Kumar Singal v Central Bureau of Investigation)