Anticipatory bail protection can be conditioned on appearance before investigators and full cooperation during investigation.

Anticipatory bail protection was considered for a petitioner apprehending arrest where the FIR did not contain a direct allegation against him and his implication arose from a co-accused's statement. The court accepted that, on his appearing before the Investigating Officer and cooperating in the investigation, protection from arrest could be extended subject to conditions securing fair investigation, including non-interference with witnesses. The petitioner was directed to appear within the stipulated time and comply with the investigation requirements, and protection was made conditional on that cooperation.

---

---

Issues: Whether the petitioner, apprehending arrest in a criminal case, was entitled to anticipatory bail protection on appearing before the Investigating Officer and cooperating in the investigation.

Analysis: The petitioner stated that there was no direct allegation in the FIR against him, that his implication arose only from the statement of an arrested accused, and that he had been unable to appear pursuant to notice due to illness. The State raised no objection to protection if he appeared and cooperated. The matter was disposed of by directing the petitioner to appear before the Investigating Officer within ten days and to cooperate in the investigation, with protection from arrest on compliance, subject to conditions including non-interference with witnesses and cooperation with the investigation.

Conclusion: The petitioner was granted anticipatory bail protection conditional upon appearance before the Investigating Officer within the stipulated time and cooperation in the investigation.

Ratio Decidendi: Anticipatory bail protection may be granted where the accused undertakes to appear before the Investigating Officer and cooperate in the investigation, subject to suitable conditions to secure fair investigation.

---