JAGJEET SINGH Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The instant appeal has been filed under Sec. 14(A) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act on behalf of the appellant, who is in custody in connection with FIR No.312/2020 registered at Police Station Tibbi, District Hanumangarh for the offences under Ss. 307, 195, 450, 143 and 120B IPC and Sec. 3(1) (S), 3(2)(V), 3(2)(Va) of SC/ST Act.

(2.) Heard learned counsel for the appellant and Public Prosecutor for the State. Perused the material available on record. Learned counsel for the appellant submitted that the specific allegation of firing has been levelled against accused Baldev Singh. Drawing attention of this Court towards the FIR, learned counsel submitted that no specific role has been assigned to the present appellant. Learned counsel further submitted that coaccused persons namely Rakesh Kumar, Subba Singh, Dhanna Singh and Baljeet Singh have already been enlarged on bail by a coordinate Bench of this Court vide orders dtd. 22/8/2023 and 1/9/2023, passed in S.B.CRLMB Nos.10228/2023 and 1748/2023 respectively. Learned counsel submitted that the case of the appellant is not distinguishable from that of above-named co-accused who have already been enlarged on bail by a coordinate Bench of this Court. Learned counsel submitted that the appellant is in judicial custody since long and the trial of the case will take sufficiently long time to conclude. Thus, learned counsel prayed that benefit of bail may be extended to the appellant.

(3.) Per contra, learned Public Prosecutor vehemently opposed the bail application.