Regular bail granted where investigation was complete, custodial interrogation was unnecessary, and parity with co-accused supported release.

Regular bail under Section 439 CrPC was granted where the petitioner had remained in custody since 07.04.2021, investigation was complete, no further recovery or custodial interrogation was required, and the trial was likely to take time. The Court noted that the main allegations of forging judgments and decrees were directed primarily against the co-accused, and parity also supported release because co-accused had already been granted bail. The absence of any other pending criminal case against the petitioner further weighed in favour of bail.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to regular bail under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Analysis: The petitioner was in custody since 07.04.2021, investigation qua him was complete, and no further recovery was required. The main allegations regarding forging of judgments and decrees were directed primarily against the co-accused. The trial had not begun and was likely to take time. Co-accused had already been granted bail, and the petitioner had no other criminal case pending against him.

Conclusion: Regular bail was granted to the petitioner.

Ratio Decidendi: Where investigation is complete, further custodial interrogation is not required, and the trial is likely to be prolonged, regular bail may be granted, particularly when the principal allegations are against co-accused and parity supports release.

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