Overview
- The bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh held that parity cannot be the sole ground for bail and requires assessment of the applicant’s specific position in the alleged crime.
- In the June 28, 2024 murder of Sonveer in Uttar Pradesh, the High Court had extended bail to Rajveer and Prince by relying on relief earlier granted to a co-accused without analyzing individual roles.
- The Supreme Court revoked Rajveer’s bail as plainly erroneous and directed him to surrender within two weeks, stating its observations are limited to the issue of bail.
- The Court quashed the December 18, 2024 order granting Prince bail and remanded his plea to the High Court for fresh consideration based on his alleged role and other relevant factors.
- Citing Ramesh Bhavan Rathod and Brijmani Devi, the judgment reaffirmed that bail decisions must consider the nature of allegations, severity of potential punishment, and risks of witness influence or evidence tampering.