P&H High Court Grants Bail to Woman Accused in Raipur Rani Murder Case After 18 Months’ Custody
Case Name: Simranjeet Kaur vs. State of Haryana
Date of Judgment: 10 November 2025
Citation: CRM-M-53618-2025
Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sumeet Goel
Held: The Punjab & Haryana High Court granted regular bail to the petitioner, a woman accused in a murder case under Sections 302, 201, and 120-B IPC. The Court noted that she had remained in custody for one year, six months, and seven days. It found that the prosecution had already examined prime witnesses, including the FIR complainant and PW-Ashutosh. The Court held that the remaining issues were debatable and must be tested at trial. It also considered the proviso to Section 480(2) BNSS, which favours bail for women. It ruled that further incarceration was unnecessary, particularly when the petitioner did not pose a risk of absconding or tampering.
Summary: The FIR alleged that the petitioner, along with her husband Harsh and co-accused Tushar, murdered Ravinder Kumar after calling him to Harsh’s house. During investigation, the petitioner identified the room where the murder occurred and the spots where bloodstained shoes and a cap were hidden. The defence argued false implication and stressed that the case relied on circumstantial evidence. The State opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the allegation. The Court reviewed custody duration, progress of trial, and Supreme Court guidance from Javed Gulam Nabi Shaikh, which emphasises speedy trial and presumption of innocence. It held that in long-custody cases involving women, bail should be considered unless clear risks exist.
Decision: The petition was allowed. The petitioner was granted regular bail upon furnishing bail and surety bonds to the satisfaction of the CJM/Duty Magistrate. She must not misuse her liberty, tamper with evidence, threaten witnesses, skip hearings, or change her mobile number without permission. She must deposit her passport, if any. The State may seek cancellation of bail if she breaches the conditions.