RANCHI, India, May 21 -- Jharkhand High Court issued the following order on April 20:

I.A. No. 5046 of 2026

1. Heard Ms. Pragati Prasad, learned counsel for the appellant and learned A.P.P.

2. This application has been preferred by the appellant for condoning the delay of 16 days in filing of the instant appeal.

3. Having been satisfied with the reasons assigned in the instant application, the same is allowed and the delay of 16 days in filing of this appeal is hereby condoned.

4. The aforesaid I.A. stands allowed and disposed of

Cr. Appeal (DB) No. 478 of 2026

5. This appeal is directed against the order dated 03.02.2026 passed by the learned Sessions Judge, Seraikella in B.P. No. 14/2026, arising out of Kuchai P.S. Case No. 03 of 2019, whereby and whereunder the prayer for bail of the appellant has been rejected.

6. It has been alleged that there was an exchange of firing between the Police personnel and the extremists as a result of which one Havaldar had sustained injuries.

7. It has been submitted by learned counsel for the appellant that the appellant is not named in the F.I.R. and subsequently on the basis of suspicion, he has been implicated. Learned counsel further submits that the appellant is in custody since 09.08.2024 and one of the co-accused who is named in the F.I.R., namely, Soma Munda, has been granted bail by co-ordinate Bench of this Court in Cr. Appeal (DB) No. 456 of 2025.

8. Learned A.P.P. has opposed the prayer for bail of the appellant.

9. Regard being had to the manner of implication of the appellant and the fact that one of the co-accused has been granted bail as noted above, we, while setting aside the order dated 03.02.2026 passed by learned Sessions Judge, Seraikella in B.P. No. 14/2026, arising out of Kuchai P.S. Case No. 03 of 2019, direct that the appellant be released on bail on furnishing bail bond of Rs.10,000/- (Ten thousand) with two sureties of the like amount each to the satisfaction of learned Addl. Sessions Judge-I, Seraikella in connection with Kuchai P.S. Case No. 03 of 2019.

10. This appeal is allowed.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.