Under what circumstances can a bail be granted in case of non-bailable offence?
Asked by: Aileen Gutkowski | Last update: March 31, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (34 votes)
Bail for non-bailable offenses, while discretionary, can be granted by courts in India when there are weak evidence/further inquiry needed, for specific vulnerable groups (women, children, sick/infirm), if the trial exceeds time limits, or on special grounds like false implication, despite the seriousness of offenses like murder or rape, by balancing public safety against individual liberty.
When can bail be granted in a non-bailable offence?
If, in any case triable by a Magistrate, the trial of a person accused of any non-bailable offence is not concluded within a period of sixty days from the first date fixed for taking evidence in the case, such person shall, if he is in custody during the whole of the said period, be released on bail to the satisfaction ...
On what grounds can bail be granted?
The court has the discretion to grant or refuse bail based on various factors, including the nature and gravity of the offense, the criminal history of the accused, and the possibility of the accused tampering with evidence or intimidating witnesses.
In which circumstances release on bail is mandatory?
By Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2005 sub-section (1) Section 436 was amended to make a mandatory provision that if the arrested person is accused of a bailable offense is an indigent and cannot furnish surety, the courts shall release him on his execution of a bond without sureties.
Can interim bail be granted in non-bailable offence?
Sessions Court Jurisdiction for Interim Bail
The Sessions Court has extensive powers to grant bail under Section 439 CrPC/Section 483 BNSS for any offence, whether bailable or non-bailable, triable by any court within its sessions division.
Bail in case of Non Bailable Offence & Anticipatory Bail || Part 2 || CrPC || Criminal Law
What are the grounds for grant of interim bail?
Interim bail may be granted when the court is satisfied that the object of the accusation against accused is to injure his reputation and humiliate him. It's an effective check against unscrupulous exercise of the arrest power by the police.
What is the latest Judgement of 437 6 CrPC?
The Supreme Court recently said that provisions of Section 437(6) of the Criminal Procedure Code cannot be considered to be mandatory in nature and cannot be interpreted to grant an absolute and indefeasible right of bail in favour of accused.
What are the conditions to be released on bail?
If bail is granted, then there will be restrictions placed on the person released from custody* before their trial, designed to ensure they attend court, do not endanger the public or witnesses, and do not commit further crimes. These are known as conditions of bail.
What are the grounds for rejection of bail?
Bail is denied primarily when a judge deems the defendant a significant flight risk (unlikely to return for court) or a threat to public safety, with common reasons being the severity of the alleged crime (especially violent or serious felonies), a history of failing to appear, or violations of current probation/parole, indicating a disregard for court orders or a danger to the community.
What is the difference between bailable and non-bailable Offence under BNSS?
According to Section 478 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (formerly Section 436 of CrPC), bail must be granted in bailable offences, whereas Section 480 of BNSS governs non-bailable offences where courts have discretionary power.
Who decides whether to grant bail?
Under section 43B of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980(3), where a defendant has been charged with an offence, on application by the defendant a magistrates' court may grant bail itself, in substitution for bail granted by a custody officer, or vary the conditions of bail granted by a custody officer.
What are the most common bail conditions?
Common bail conditions
- To be at court on a certain date – this is the primary purpose of bail.
- Contact restrictions – not to contact certain persons, usually an alleged victim.
- Location restrictions – not to go to certain places.
- Residential – to reside at a certain address.
What is the landmark Judgement on bail by the Supreme court?
The Supreme Court reiterated that bail should not be granted solely on the ground of prolonged incarceration or the anticipated delay in trial proceedings. The Court emphasized that the seriousness of the offense and the conduct of the accused must be considered when granting or canceling bail.
Which type of offences are non-bailable?
Common Examples of Non-Bailable Offences
- Murder (Section 302 IPC/Section 103 BNS) - Unlawfully causing death with intention.
- Attempt to Murder (Section 307 IPC/Section 109 BNS) - Taking steps toward killing someone.
- Rape (Section 376 IPC/Section 70 BNS) - Sexual assault without consent.
What are the Supreme Court rules for bail?
Supreme Court's New Guidelines on Bail: A Landmark Judgment of August 2025
- The Essence of the Ruling.
- Key Principles Laid Down.
- Evidence of the Prosecution Cannot Dictate Bail.
- Bail Cannot Be Denied for Vengeance.
- Social Standing and Reputation Must Be Considered.
- Future Conduct and Cooperation Are Crucial.
Is gravity of offense isn t valid ground for rejection of bail?
The Court noted that mere gravity of offence and severity of punishment is no ground for rejection of bail especially when there is nothing to suggest that if released on bail, accused is likely to abscond with a view to evade the trial and where there is no material on record to show that in the event of bail, the ...
Who can grant bail in a non-bailable offence?
In the case of bailable offences, it is binding upon the investigating officer to grant bail. However, in case of a non-bailable offence the police do not grant bail. The decision is taken by a Judicial Magistrate/Judge only.
What are the three influences on a judge's decision to set bail?
According to California Penal Code 1275, in setting, reducing, or denying bail, the judge must take a number of factors into consideration, including: The danger the defendant poses to the public. The seriousness of the crime. The defendant's previous criminal record.
What is the hardest case to win in court?
The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, complex evidence, or specific defenses like insanity, with sexual assault, crimes against children, and white-collar crimes frequently cited as challenging due to juror bias, weak physical evidence, or technical complexity. The insanity defense is notoriously difficult because it shifts the burden of proof and faces public skepticism.
On what grounds can bail be rejected?
Bail is denied primarily when a judge deems the defendant a significant flight risk (unlikely to return for court) or a threat to public safety, with common reasons being the severity of the alleged crime (especially violent or serious felonies), a history of failing to appear, or violations of current probation/parole, indicating a disregard for court orders or a danger to the community.
Who is not entitled to bail?
Being "ineligible for bail" means a judge has decided you must remain in jail until your trial, typically due to the extreme seriousness of the alleged crime (like murder or violent felonies), a high risk of you fleeing (flight risk), or a history of being a danger to the community or failing to appear in court. Factors include the nature of the offense, your criminal past, ties to the community, and potential threat to public safety or witnesses, leading to denial of release, although you may appeal the decision.
What are the conditions for granting bail?
A) GRANT OF BAIL IN BAILABLE OFFENCES: Section 436 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, lays down that Person accused of bailable offense under IPC can be granted bail. Conditions for Grant of Bail in bailable offenses: Sufficient reasons to believe that the accused has not committed the offense.
How to get bail in a non-bailable warrant?
Use Section 71 of the CrPC
If the NBW contains a bail endorsement under Section 71, you can apply for bail immediately upon arrest by fulfilling the bail conditions, such as furnishing sureties or a bond.
What is Puttaswamy's case?
Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.), a retired judge of the Madras High Court, challenged the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar scheme. He argued that the scheme violated the right to privacy.
Is 506 2 PPC bailable or non-bailable?
Offences under Section 406 and 506 (2) P.P.C. are not bailable under the Schedule of offences and are punishable for three (03) years and seven (07) years, respectively.