Bail approved under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, due to lack of criminal history and prolonged judicial custody.
In a significant judgment, the Karnataka High Court has granted bail to Sri. Natesh Kumar, who was implicated in a high-profile case involving the death of an individual during a cricket match in Mangaluru. The judgment, delivered by Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar, emphasized the absence of any prior criminal record of the petitioner and the fact that he has been in judicial custody since April 29, 2025.
The case, registered under Crime No. 37/2025, involved a series of charges following a tragic incident where a person, who reportedly chanted slogans supporting Pakistan, was chased and assaulted by players and spectators, resulting in his death. The petitioner was accused of throwing chilly powder and instigating others to assault the deceased.
The court noted that the charge sheet had already been filed and that the petitioner was not required for further custodial interrogation. Importantly, it was highlighted that co-accused individuals, including those who allegedly assaulted the deceased with clubs, had already been granted bail by the Sessions Court.
Justice Amarannavar, considering these factors, allowed the bail petition under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The order mandates several conditions, including the execution of a personal bond of Rs. 1,00,000, a prohibition on tampering with prosecution witnesses, and mandatory attendance at trial court proceedings.
This decision is seen as a significant development in the case, underscoring the court's balanced approach in considering individual circumstances and judicial precedents.
Bottom Line:
Bail application granted under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) considering lack of criminal antecedents, judicial custody since 29.04.2025, and the fact that the petitioner is not required for further custodial interrogation.
Statutory provision(s): Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Sections 189(2), (4), 191(2), (3), 115(2), 118(2), 103(2), 238, 23, 240, 352 read with Section 190 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Sri. Natesh Kumar v. State of Karnataka, (Karnataka) : Law Finder Doc id # 2843104
