Supreme Court Criticizes Patna High Court for ‘Mechanical’ Bail in Dowry Death Case

The Supreme Court set aside a Patna High Court order granting bail to a husband accused in a dowry death case.

The Bench termed the High Court’s approach "mechanical" and "wholly unsustainable." The Court observed that the High Court failed to consider the gravity of the offense and ignored a post-mortem report revealing multiple external and internal injuries.

The Court emphasized the statutory presumption of guilt under Section 118 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

The accused was directed to surrender within one week, and the Registry was asked to forward the order to the Patna High Court Chief Justice.

[Lal Muni Devi v. State of Bihar & Anr.]