BAIL APPLN./1337/2026 of SHIKHAR KATTA Vs STATE OF GNCT DELHI on 5 August 2026

O R D E R

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05.08.2026

1. The present bail applications under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 have been filed by the brother-in-law [BAIL APPLN.1337/2026] and parents-in-law [BAIL APPLNs. 1338- 1339/2026] of the complainant, seeking anticipatory bail in connection with FIR No. 26/2026 dated 07.02.2026, registered at Police Station Kirti Nagar, District West, New Delhi, under Sections 85/79/316(2)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 [“BNS”].

2. I have heard Ms. Megha Karnwal, learned counsel for the petitioners, Mr. Yudhvir Singh Chauhan, learned Additional Public Prosecutor, and Ms. Himanshi Soni, learned counsel for the complainant.

3. The Investigating Officer [“IO”] has also filed a status report dated 22.05.2026, which is on record.

4. The FIR was registered on the basis of a complaint dated 25.08.2025, against the complainant’s husband and the present petitioners. The complainant’s husband is not one of the petitioners herein.

5. A perusal of the FIR shows that the complainant made allegations with regard to harassment and torture by the accused persons. The complainant, her husband, and parents-in-law are all doctors. It was stated that she had met her husband through a common family friend, and they got married on 05.12.2019. The complainant alleges cruelty at the hands of her husband and the petitioners herein, including an allegation that she was taunted for bringing insufficient dowry and gifts. The principal allegations in the FIR are against the complainant’s husband, who is accused of having made various demands upon her and having extra-marital affairs. It is alleged that her parents-in-law also taunted her, and did not support her in the face of this situation. It is further submitted that the petitioners herein kept the complainant’s jewellery in their custody.

6. Having regard to the fact that the disputes arose out of a matrimonial relationship, on the very first date of hearing, i.e. 07.04.2026, the petitioners and the complainant requested a reference to mediation. They were referred to mediation, but I am informed that mediation proceedings have been unsuccessful. It was also recorded in the said order that all the three petitioners had joined investigation, and there was no allegation of non-cooperation. Having regard to these factors, the petitioners were granted interim protection from arrest, which has been continued.

7. Mr. Chauhan states that the petitioners have continued to join investigation, and the only remaining allegation against them is that the complainant’s stridhan has not been recovered from them. As far as this aspect is concerned, it is clear from the status report that the case of the petitioners is that the complainant has taken away her jewellery with her, and that CCTV footage is available in support of this submission. Mr. Chauhan states, upon instructions from the IO, that the said CCTV footage has also been provided to the IO.

8. While the rival contentions of the parties, in this regard, remain to be agitated at trial, I am of the view that the facts of the case and the material on record do not justify exposing the petitioners to the risk of deprivation of their liberty at this stage. They have joined the investigation, which is almost complete, and the chargesheet, according to Mr. Chauhan, will be filed within one week from today.

9. In view of the above, the applications are disposed of with the direction that, in the event of arrest in connection with FIR No. 26/2026 dated 07.02.2026, registered at Police Station Kirti Nagar, District West, New Delhi, under Sections 85/79/316(2)/3(5) of the BNS, the petitioners will be released on bail, upon furnishing personal bonds in the sum of Rs. 35,000/- each, and one surety each in the like amount, to the satisfaction of the concerned Arresting Officer/Station House Officer [“SHO”]/Duty Magistrate and subject to the following further conditions:

a. The petitioners shall join the investigation, as and when required by the IO.

b. The petitioners shall furnish their mobile numbers to the IO/SHO, and shall keep their mobile phones running and always switched on. The mobile numbers shall not be changed or switched off without prior intimation to the IO/SHO.

c. The petitioners shall give their residential address to the IO/SHO, and shall not change the same without prior intimation to the IO/SHO.

d. The petitioners shall neither, directly or indirectly, make any attempt to influence the complainant to the detriment of the case, nor shall they tamper with the evidence in any manner whatsoever.

e. The petitioners shall not commit any offence during the pendency of these proceedings.

10. The bail applications are disposed of in terms of the above.

11. It is clarified that the observations made herein are solely for the purpose of adjudication of the present bail applications and shall not be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case, nor shall they prejudice the rights and contentions of the parties at any stage of the proceedings. PRATEEK JALAN, J AUGUST 5, 2026 SS/KA/