KRISHNANAND SHASTRI Vs. STATE OF M P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is first application under Section 438 of Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 filed by the applicant for grant of anticipatory bail. The applicant is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No.257/2020 registered at Police Station-Kotwali Bhopal, District-Bhopal (MP) for the offences punishable under Section 295A of Indian Penal Code.

(2.) Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the crime. It is also submitted that the applicant is aged about 67 years and he is a senior journalist working at Bhopal. Police registered a false case against him. It is also submitted that no case under Section 295A of I.P.C. is made out against the applicant. It is further submitted that keeping in view the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the fact that the trial would take a considerable time, the applicant may be released on anticipatory bail.

(3.) On the contrary, learned Panel Lawyer for the respondent/State has strongly opposed the contentions of learned counsel for the applicant and submitted that offence is serious in nature and prayed for rejection of the present bail application.