Anticipatory bail interim protection granted while investigation continues and petitioner is directed to cooperate.

An anticipatory bail application under Section 438 CrPC sought interim protection pending further consideration. The Court issued notice, granted the State time to file a status report, and required the petitioner to join the investigation whenever called and to furnish contact details to facilitate investigation. On that basis, the petitioner was protected from coercive action till the next date of hearing, and interim protection was granted.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to interim protection in an application for anticipatory bail pending further consideration.

Analysis: The application was moved under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Notice was issued, the State sought time to file a status report, and the petitioner was directed to join the investigation whenever required and to furnish contact details to facilitate investigation. The Court protected the petitioner from coercive action till the next date of hearing.

Conclusion: Interim protection was granted in favour of the petitioner.

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