In a significant development, the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Thursday granted interim bail to an accused in a case filed under the provisions of the newly enforced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which became effective on July 1
This marked the first instance of the High Court issuing an order for an offence under the Act.
Case Background
The accused, Baldev Singh, was booked on July 1 by the Jawalamukhi Police Station in Kangra district. The charges included BNS Sections 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace) and 351(2) (criminal intimidation), along with Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Court Appearance and Bail Conditions
On July 4, Singh appeared and surrendered before the High Court, accompanied by his counsel. Given the nature of the offence, Justice Rakesh Kainthla granted Singh interim bail on the condition that he provide a personal bond of ₹25,000. The Court also instructed Singh to cooperate with the investigation as required by the police.
State’s Response
Additional Advocate General Jitender K Sharma, representing the State, was given two weeks to file a reply to the bail application. Furthermore, the Court directed the State to inform the complainant about the status and upcoming hearing of the bail application.
Next Steps
The case is scheduled for its next hearing on July 14, with Advocate Ganesh Barowalia representing the petitioner.
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