CHARLES SOBHRAJ Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In a case bearing First Information Report No. 139 of 1989 under Sections 224 and 328 read with Section 120 B of the Indian Penal Code, the petitioner was admitted to bail on his furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs. 50,000.00 with two sureties in the like amount. This was on January 10,1990. In April, 1990, the petitioner moved Cr. M.(M) 824 of 1990 praying that either he be released on personal bond or the bail amount and the number of sureties be reduced. Consequent thereupon, on December 13, 1990 the Court directed release of the petitioner on his furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs. 50,000.00 with one surety in the like amount. This order was followed by Crl. Misc. 1112 of 1996. It is that application which is the bone of contention and which has led to this order.

(2.) The petitioner now prays that as the trial is likely to consume a few more years and as he is a foreigner with nobody known to him in Delhi, he may be permitted to deposit a cash surety of Rs. 25,000.00 in lieu of a surety of Rs. 50,000.00 .

(3.) The State has opposed the petition. It says that the petitioner is a notorious criminal who is involved in a number of criminal cases and that in case he is allowed to deposit cash surety, he will flee from the country.