CRLP/9062/2026 of Golla Veda Prakash alias Salindra Veda Prakash Vs The State of Andhra Pradesh on 15 October 2026

ORDER:

The Criminal Petition has been filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for brevity ‘the BNSS’) by the Petitioners/Accused Nos.1 to 5 for granting of pre-arrest bail in connection with Crime No.98 of 2026 of Dhone Rural Police Station, Nandyal District, registered for the alleged offence punishable under Sections 69, 89, 83, 351(2) read with 45 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for brevity ‘the BNS’) and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.

2. Mr. Varun Byreddy, the learned counsel for the Petitioners, submits that the Petitioners are the innocent of the alleged offence and they have been falsely implicated by the police. They are law-abiding citizens. They have not committed any offence. They are the sole breadwinners of the family. The Petitioners undertake to strictly adhere to any conditions that may be imposed by this Court. Hence, it is urged to allow the Criminal Petition.

3. Per contra, Mr.A.Sai Rohith, the learned Assistant Public Prosecutor, vehemently opposed the grant of pre-arrest bail to the Petitioners, submitting that the investigation is still underway and several material witnesses remain to be examined. It is contended that if the Petitioners are released on pre- arrest bail, there is a strong likelihood that they may abscond, thereby

hampering the ongoing investigation and evading the process of law. Hence, it is urged to dismiss the Criminal Petition.

4. Heard the learned Counsel for the Petitioners and the learned Assistant Public Prosecutor. Perused the record.

5. As seen from the record, the victim was a major at the time of the marriage. Accused No.1 was aged only 20 years at the time of the marriage and had not attained the age of majority required for contracting the marriage. The de-facto complainant lodged the complaint against the Petitioners eight months after the marriage was annulled by the competent Court. The Petitioners are permanent residents of Dhone Mandal, Nandyal District.

6. The learned counsel for the Petitioners further submits that Petitioner Nos.2 and 3/Accused Nos.2 and 3 have already been arrested. Therefore, the Criminal Petition, insofar as it relates to Petitioner Nos.2 and 3/Accused Nos.2 and 3, seeking pre‑arrest bail, has become infructuous.

7. Having regard to the entire facts and circumstances of the case, and the gravity and nature of the allegations against Petitioner Nos.1, 4 & 5/Accused Nos.1, 4 & 5, this Court deems it fit to grant pre-arrest bail to Petitioner Nos.1, 4 & 5/Accused Nos.1, 4 & 5 subject to the following conditions:

i. In the event of their arrest, the Petitioner Nos.1, 4 & 5/Accused Nos.1, 4 & 5 shall be enlarged on bail subject to her executing a bond for a sum of Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand only) each with two sureties each for the like sum each to the satisfaction of the arresting police officials;

ii. The Petitioner Nos.1, 4 & 5/Accused Nos.1, 4 & 5 shall make themselves available for investigation as and when required;

iii. The Petitioner Nos.1, 4 & 5/Accused Nos.1, 4 & 5 shall not cause any threat, inducement or promise to the prosecution witnesses.

iv. The Petitioner Nos.1, 4 & 5/Accused Nos.1, 4 & 5 shall appear before the Station House Officer concerned once in a week i.e., on every Saturday between 10.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., till filing of the Charge Sheet. v. The Petitioner Nos.1, 4 & 5/Accused Nos.1, 4 & 5 shall not leave the limits of the State of Andhra Pradesh without the express permission from the Station House Officer concerned.

vi. The Petitioner Nos.1, 4 & 5/Accused Nos.1, 4 & 5 shall not, directly or indirectly, make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case so as to dissuade him/her from disclosing such facts to the Court.

vii. The Petitioner Nos.1, 4 & 5/Accused Nos.1, 4 & 5 shall surrender their passports, if any, to the Investigating Officer. If they claim that they do not have passports, they shall submit affidavits to that effect to the Investigating Officer.

8. Hence, the Criminal Petition, insofar as it relates to Petitioner Nos.2 and 3/Accused Nos.2 and 3 seeking pre‑arrest bail, is dismissed. The Criminal Petition, insofar as it relates to Petitioner Nos.1, 4 & 5/Accused Nos.1, 4 & 5, is allowed.

9. In the result, the Criminal Petition is partly allowed.

_________________________ DR. Y. LAKSHMANA RAO, J Dated: 16.10.2026 PRA/APSK

THE HONOURABLE DR JUSTICE Y. LAKSHMANA RAO

CRIMINAL PETITION NO: 9062 of 2026

Date: 16.10.2026 PRA