Bail pending trial granted after considering custody period, Covid-19 conditions, and disputed financial transaction safeguards.

Bail pending trial under Section 439 CrPC was considered by balancing the applicant's custody period, the prevailing Covid-19 situation, the expected time for conclusion of trial, and the competing versions about the alleged financial transaction. The Court also took account of a proposed deposit condition and granted liberty on terms rather than on an unconditional basis. Bail was granted subject to furnishing a personal bond and sureties, depositing part of the disputed amount, and providing solvent security for the balance.

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Issues: Whether the applicant was entitled to bail pending trial under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Analysis: The application was considered in light of the custody period, the prevailing Covid-19 situation, and the likelihood that the trial would take time to conclude. The Court also took note of the competing versions regarding the alleged financial transaction and the proposed deposit condition, and balanced these factors while granting liberty on terms.

Conclusion: Bail was granted to the applicant subject to furnishing personal bond, sureties, deposit of part of the disputed amount, and solvent security for the balance.

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