Bail Granted to Manoranjana Sinh: Supreme Court Modifies Order in CBI Case

Introduction

The Supreme Court of India, in its recent ruling in the case of Manoranjana Sinh @ Gupta v. Central Bureau of Investigation, addressed a petition seeking modification of an earlier order concerning bail conditions. The case revolved around allegations investigated by the CBI, and the appellant sought relief in terms of the financial obligations imposed by the court’s earlier order.

Background of the Case

The case involved a criminal appeal filed by Manoranjana Sinh, who was implicated in an FIR registered as RC-04/S/2014-(SIT) Kolkata. The appellant had previously been granted bail by the Supreme Court on February 6, 2017, subject to certain conditions.

The appellant, through her counsel, requested a modification of paragraph 19 of the order, particularly regarding the financial deposit condition, arguing that execution of a bond without a cash deposit should be sufficient for compliance.

Petitioner’s Arguments

• The appellant had already been granted bail but sought relaxation of stringent financial conditions imposed.
• It was argued that the requirement of making a cash deposit of Rs. 1 crore was onerous and should be waived.
• The petitioner also sought relaxation from the requirement of furnishing local sureties.

Respondent’s Arguments

• The CBI opposed any modifications, arguing that financial conditions were imposed in view of the gravity of the case.
• The respondent maintained that the conditions were reasonable and necessary to ensure the appellant’s compliance with legal proceedings.

Supreme Court’s Observations

The Supreme Court considered the arguments and ruled in favor of modifying the order. The Court held:

“In the above view of the matter, the appeal is allowed and the appellant is ordered to be released on bail in FIR RC-04/S/2014-(SIT) Kolkata on furnishing bond of Rs.1 (One) crore and on furnishing two sureties each of the like amount to the satisfaction of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal and also subject to the following conditions…..”

The Court further clarified:

“We also make it clear that the appellant is not required to make a cash deposit of the aforesaid amount and execution of bond therefor would suffice. The requirement of local sureties is hereby relaxed as well.”

Final Ruling

The Supreme Court disposed of the Criminal Miscellaneous Petition and ruled that the bail order should be modified to remove the requirement of a cash deposit while allowing execution of the bond as sufficient compliance. Additionally, the requirement for local sureties was relaxed.

Conclusion

This case highlights the Court’s willingness to review and modify bail conditions to ensure they remain fair and reasonable while upholding the principles of justice. The ruling is significant in reinforcing the approach that bail conditions should not be unduly harsh, especially when a petitioner demonstrates the ability to comply with alternative security measures.

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Download Judgment: Manoranjana Sinh @ G vs Central Bureau of In Supreme Court of India Judgment Dated 15-02-2017.pdf