Anticipatory bail after charge sheet filing granted where facts justified protection from arrest in a corruption prosecution.

Anticipatory bail under Section 438 CrPC may be granted even after filing of the charge sheet where the facts and circumstances justify protection from arrest. In this matter, the Court considered allegations under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code, along with the stage of investigation and the request for pre-arrest relief. Finding it appropriate to extend protection in the circumstances, the Court granted anticipatory bail and left it to the trial court to impose suitable conditions.

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Issues: Whether anticipatory bail should be granted when the charge sheet has already been filed and the circumstances justify protection from arrest.

Analysis: The appellant faced prosecution in connection with allegations under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code. The proceedings were initiated after the filing of the charge sheet, and the Court considered the facts and circumstances, including the stage of the investigation and the prayer for protection from arrest. In these circumstances, the Court found it to extend the relief under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, leaving the trial court to impose suitable conditions.

Conclusion: Anticipatory bail was granted in favour of the appellant.

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