Inherent power to grant interim bail recognised as part of bail jurisdiction, with discretion shaped by life and liberty concerns.

The power to grant bail includes an inherent power to grant interim bail pending final disposal of the bail application, and that relief remains discretionary. The Court linked this power to the protection of life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution and to the need to avoid reputational harm that may arise if an applicant is confined before the bail matter is finally decided. Accordingly, interim bail is available as a judicial safeguard within the broader bail jurisdiction.

---

---

Issues: Whether a court hearing a bail application has inherent power to grant interim bail pending final disposal of the bail application.

Analysis: The Court held that the power to grant bail carries with it an inherent power to grant interim bail pending final disposal of the application. This view was reinforced by the protection of life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, and by the concern that an applicant's reputation may be adversely affected if incarceration occurs before the bail application is finally decided. The Court also indicated that the grant of interim bail remains discretionary.

Conclusion: A court does have inherent power to grant interim bail pending final disposal of a bail application.

Ratio Decidendi: The power to grant bail includes an inherent power to grant interim bail pending final adjudication, especially where such power is consistent with the protection of life, liberty, and reputation under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

---