Ravi Shekhar vs. The State Of Madhya Pradesh

Held

The Court granted bail to the applicant, Ravi Shekhar, without commenting on the merits of the case. The reasoning for allowing the bail application was based on the facts and circumstances presented, particularly the petitioner's willingness to deposit a sum of Rs. 2,10,000/- in the complainant's bank account. The Court ordered that upon depositing this amount and furnishing a bail bond of Rs. 25,000/- with one solvent surety to the satisfaction of the trial court, the applicant shall be released on bail. The applicant was also directed to be present during the trial on each date. The issue of guilt or innocence was not decided, and the bail was granted as a procedural relief pending trial.

Facts

The petitioner, Ravi Shekhar, is seeking bail in connection with Crime No. 168/2019 registered at Police Station Crime Branch, Gwalior, for offenses under Sections 420, 34 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66 of the IT Act. The complainant alleged that she was induced by a company named Deels4U to pay Rs. 4,39,899/- for purported GST, insurance, and tax formalities to receive a prize. The petitioner, who was the Manager of Deels4U, was arrested on March 30, 2022. During the investigation, various electronic devices and documents were seized from the petitioner and his co-accused brother. The petitioner's first bail application was dismissed as withdrawn on June 22, 2022. The petitioner claims innocence and is willing to deposit Rs. 2,10,000/- towards restitution.

Key Issues

1. Whether the applicant is entitled to be released on bail under Section 439 Cr.P.C. given the allegations of cheating and fraud involving a significant sum of money, and the stage of investigation/trial? Petitioner's Arguments: The petitioner argued that he is innocent and has been falsely implicated. He also contended that the conclusion of the trial will take a considerable amount of time. Furthermore, the petitioner expressed his willingness to deposit Rs. 2,10,000/- in the complainant's bank account as a gesture of restitution, praying for the grant of bail. Revenue/State's Arguments: The learned counsel for the State opposed the bail application and prayed for its rejection, without elaborating on specific arguments or legal provisions relied upon.