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Types of Bail
Submitted to Submitted by
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University 5th Semester, Section ‘B’
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DECLARATION
I hereby declare that my project work titled “Types of Bail under the Indian Justice System”
submitted to the Law department, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University, Lucknow
is a record of an original work done by me under the guidance of Dr. Prem Kumar Gautam and
this project work is submitted in the partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the
degree of B.A. LLB.(hons). This project work has not been submitted to any other University
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express profound gratitude to Dr. Prem Kumar Guatam, Prof. (Law), who
gave me the opportunity to work on this project and allowed me to develop the skills and
acquire the necessary knowledge to complete this project. I would also like to express humble
gratitude for the exemplary guidance, monitoring and constant encouragement throughout the
I would also like to thank the faculty of Dr. Madhu Limaye Library who extended their
assistance to me by helping me consult relevant legal research material which was essential to
Lastly, I would like to thank my family for their constant encouragement without which this
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INDEX
1 BAIL 5-7
2 ORIGIN 8 - 11
3 TYPES OF BAIL 12
4 REGULAR BAIL 12 - 13
6 ANTICIPATORY BAIL 16 - 18
7 INTERIM BAIL 19 - 20
8 STATUTORY BAIL 21 - 22
9 CONCLUSION 23 - 24
10 BIBLIOGRAPHY 25
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BAIL
Bail, as a fundamental component of the criminal justice system, plays a pivotal role in
balancing the rights of the accused with the interests of society at large. It is a legal
mechanism that allows individuals accused of a crime to be released from custody pending
their trial, ensuring that they remain a part of society while the legal process unfolds. Under
the Criminal Procedure Code, various types of bail are recognized, each tailored to specific
The concept of bail is deeply rooted in the principles of justice, equity, and the presumption
of innocence until proven guilty. It represents a crucial aspect of due process, designed to
safeguard the rights and liberties of individuals accused of crimes, while also serving the
broader objectives of maintaining public safety and ensuring the appearance of the accused at
trial. This delicate balance between individual rights and societal interests is precisely what
makes the study of bail under the Criminal Procedure Code both intricate and essential.
This project delves into the multifaceted realm of bail in the context of the Criminal
To begin this exploration, it is vital to recognize that bail serves as a mechanism to mitigate
the adverse effects of pretrial detention. Incarceration before trial can have profound
consequences for the accused, impacting their employment, family life, and overall well-
being. Moreover, it can lead to overcrowded prisons, straining already burdened criminal
justice systems. Therefore, the concept of bail is rooted in the belief that those accused of
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crimes should be granted the opportunity to remain free unless there are compelling reasons
to the contrary.
Under the Criminal Procedure Code, there are several types of bail arrangements that reflect
the diverse circumstances of each case. These types include regular bail, anticipatory bail,
interim bail, and more. Regular bail is perhaps the most common form, granted to individuals
who are already in custody and seek release during the pendency of their trial. Anticipatory
bail, on the other hand, is sought in anticipation of arrest, primarily to protect individuals
from unwarranted detention. Interim bail is a temporary release granted when a regular bail
application is pending, ensuring that the accused does not remain in custody for an extended
Furthermore, this project will explore the criteria and factors that judges consider when
determining whether bail should be granted. The nature and gravity of the offense, the
accused's criminal history, the likelihood of the accused fleeing or tampering with evidence,
and the impact on the victim are some of the crucial elements weighed in this decision-
understanding of how bail determinations are made within the framework of the Criminal
Procedure Code.
the delicate balance between individual rights and societal interests. The various types of bail
recognized under the Criminal Procedure Code serve as mechanisms to safeguard the rights
of the accused while upholding the principles of justice and fairness. This project endeavors
to shed light on the intricacies of bail, the legal criteria governing its grant or denial, and its
broader implications within the criminal justice landscape. By delving into this complex
1
Janak Raj Jai, Universal’s Bail (Universal Law Publishing 2009).
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subject matter, we hope to equip readers with a comprehensive understanding of the
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ORIGIN
Bail, a fundamental concept in modern legal systems, has roots in ancient Roman law, and
has evolved over centuries to the refined concept of bail in modern law.
The concept of bail has its roots in ancient civilizations. In ancient Mesopotamia, around
2100 BCE, the Code of Ur-Nammu allowed accused individuals to provide a personal surety
or pledge of property to secure their release. Ancient Roman law also recognized a similar
During the medieval period, bail began to take on a more recognizable form in Europe. The
English legal system, in particular, played a significant role in its development. By the 13th
century, bail was used to secure the release of accused individuals, but it was often an
informal process involving friends or family members acting as sureties. If the accused failed
The 17th century brought about a more structured approach to bail with the introduction of
the recognizance system in England. Recognizance involved the accused and sureties
appearing before a judge and pledging a sum of money as security for the accused's
appearance at trial. Failure to appear would result in forfeiture of the pledged amount.
As European legal systems evolved, so did their approach to bail. This evolution significantly
influenced the development of bail in the United States. Early American colonies adopted
English common law practices, including bail, which laid the foundation for the Eighth
2
Devansh Bansal, ‘CONCEPT of BAIL: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE’ (brain booster21 February 2022)
<https://www.brainboosterarticles.com/post/concept-of-bail-a-historical-perspective> accessed 30 September
2023.
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In the 19th century, the concept of bail bonds emerged in the United States, allowing
defendants to secure their release by paying a percentage of the bail amount to a bail
bondsman. This practice became widespread, enabling many accused individuals to secure
their freedom even if they couldn't afford the full bail amount. Today, the bail system in many
countries, including the United States, has become more complex. Courts often consider
various factors, such as the nature of the crime, the defendant's flight risk, and their ties to the
community, when setting bail. Additionally, alternatives to monetary bail, such as pretrial
services and electronic monitoring, have gained prominence to address concerns about the
BAIL IN INDIA
The concept of bail in India has ancient roots. Ancient Indian legal texts like the Manusmriti
and Arthashastra mention provisions for release on bail. During British colonial rule, the
Indian Penal Code of 1860 introduced provisions for bail, although they were often
With India's independence in 1947 came the drafting of a new Constitution, which sought to
establish a democratic and just society. The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, played a
pivotal role in shaping the concept of bail. It enshrined several fundamental rights, including
the right to personal liberty and the presumption of innocence, which had a direct bearing on
bail procedures.3
The Indian judiciary, through various landmark decisions, has played a significant role in
shaping the bail system. The Supreme Court of India, in cases like Gudikanti Narasimhulu v.
3
‘Jurisprudence of Bail in India - Civilsdaily’ (CivilsDaily30 August 2022)
<https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/jurisprudence/> accessed 30 September 2023.
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Public Prosecutor4 and State of Rajasthan v. Balchand5 , emphasized the importance of
individual liberty and the need for a liberal approach towards bail.
The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) is the key legislation governing bail in India. Post-
independence, significant amendments were made to the CrPC to align it with the principles
enshrined in the Constitution. Sections 436 and 437 of the CrPC lay down provisions for
granting bail to accused individuals. Post-independence India has witnessed a shift in bail
policies. There is now a greater emphasis on reducing pretrial detention and ensuring that bail
is the rule rather than the exception. The Law Commission of India, in its various reports, has
recommended reforms to make bail more accessible, especially for those who are
economically disadvantaged.
A significant challenge in the evolution of bail in India post-independence has been striking a
balance between individual liberty and public safety. While the courts have recognized the
importance of granting bail, they have also had to ensure that accused individuals do not pose
a threat to society or interfere with the legal process. In recent years, India has witnessed
several reforms aimed at modernizing the bail system. These include the use of technology
for risk assessment, the establishment of special courts to expedite bail hearings, and the
Overall, it can be said that the concept of bail has a rich and diverse history, evolving from
ancient practices rooted in Mesopotamia and Rome to the modern systems we have today.
Over the centuries, bail has undergone significant changes, driven by the need for fairness
and justice in legal proceedings. While the core principle of bail remains the same – securing
the appearance of the accused at trial – the mechanisms and considerations involved in bail
4
AIR 1978 SC 429
5
AIR 1977 SC 2447
6
Urvashi Saikumar, ‘Indian System of Bail - Anti Poor - Bail Law in India’ (www.legalserviceindia.com)
<https://www.legalserviceindia.com/articles/bail_poor.htm> accessed 30 September 2023.
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decisions have transformed to adapt to the needs of contemporary society. As we continue to
address issues of equity and fairness in the criminal justice system, the evolution of bail
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TYPES OF BAIL
Within the Code of Criminal Procedure, various situations are enumerated with regards to
bail. While bail is classified mainly on the basis of at which point the legal proceedings are,
there is a further classification as regards the nature of the offence. For the purposes of
granting bail, offences have been classified into ‘Bailable offences’ and ‘Non-Bailable
offences’.
REGULAR BAIL
Regular bail, i.e., bail granted in cases of bailable offences, is the most common form of Bail
which is usually obtained by an accused. It is also the type of bail most people refer to when
they use the generalized term ‘Bail’. Regular Bail is the mechanism by which a competent
court can order the release of someone who is in detention on suspicion of committing an
offence, i.e., an accused, generally on the condition that the accused does not leave and fully
cooperates with the authorities in the course of investigation. These conditions may require
the execution of a “personal bond” or a court may compel the execution of a bond with
sureties.7
Section 436 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 contains the provision for regular bail.
7
Sneha Mahawar, ‘Types of Bail’ (iPleaders18 January 2023) <https://blog.ipleaders.in/types-of-
bail/#Anticipatory_bail> accessed 30 September 2023.
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“In what cases bail to be taken.—(1) When any person other than a person accused
any time while in the custody of such officer or at any stage of the proceeding before
Further, Section 436 also places certain conditions which the accused must fulfill in order to
secure bail-
“Provided that such officer or Court, if he or it thinks fit, [may, and shall, if such
person is indigent and is unable to furnish surety, instead of taking bail] from such
person, discharge him on his executing a bond without sureties for his appearance as
hereinafter provided.”
Although the normal procedure is for the accused to furnish securities for his/her bail to be
granted, this proviso in section 436 empowers the Court to grant bail to the accused only on
executive bond without needing securities if the accused is indigent or if the Court feels the
need, in any such case. In Aftab Ahmed v. State of UP8, the Court allowed the accused to be
granted bail only on executing a bail bond and without any sureties.
Section 437 deals with the granting of bail for non-bailable offences. It provides discretionary
powers to the Courts to decide whether or not they want to grant bail to an accused. However,
this discretion granted by section 437 is not without certain requirements, to be fulfilled by
8
1990 CriLJ 1636
13
the accused, that the court must keep in mind while granting bail to persons accused of a non-
bailable offence.
“When bail may be taken in case of non-bailable offence.— [(1) When any person
accused of, or suspected of, the commission of any non-bailable offence is arrested or
brought before a Court other than the High Court or Court of session, he may be
released on bail.”
The section further goes on to innumerate the various conditions, failing which, the court may
1. Such person shall not be released if there appear reasonable grounds for believing that
2. If such offence is a cognizable offence and the accused had been previously convicted
offence.
3. The court may still grant bail to a person referred to under (1) and (2) if they are under
4. The court may also grant bail to a person referred to under (2) if it is satisfied that it is
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5. The court may also grant bail to an accused who is required to be identified by
Clause 6 of section 437 provides that if, in any case triable by a Magistrate, the trial of the
accused is not concluded within 60 days since the institution of the case, then the Magistrate
shall order the release of the accused on bail if the accused was in custody during the whole
of this period of 60 days. And clause 7 of section 437 states that if, after the conclusion of the
trial of an accused and before delivery of judgment, the Court feels that the accused is not
guilty of any offence for which he was being tried, then the accused shall be released from
custody on execution of a bond without sureties, for his appearance to hear the judgment
delivered.
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ANTICIPATORY BAIL
Anticipatory bail, as the name suggests, is bail granted to a person in anticipation of, and
apprehending arrest. When a person has reason to believe that he may be arrested on the
accusation of committing a non-bailable offence then he can move to High Court or the Court
of Session u/s 438 of CrPC for anticipatory bail. The very purpose for the provisions relating
to anticipatory bail is to ensure that no person is confined in any way until and unless held
guilty. 9
Anticipatory bail is a form of bail that one may obtain from a competent court prior to arrest
and detention by the police. Unlike regular bail, anticipatory bail is obtained before one is
arrested and it comes into effect as soon as the accused is arrested and/or detained.
Section 438 of the CrPC deals with the issue of anticipatory bail. It says-
“Direction for grant of bail to person apprehending arrest.—(1) When any person
non-bailable offence, he may apply to the High Court or the Court of Session for a
direction under this section; and that Court may, if it thinks fit, direct that in the event
The rationale behind the concept of Anticipatory bail is mainly to protect citizens from
frivolous and often times, falsely and maliciously filed complaints against them by other
parties. It would be easy to throw one’s life into disarray by simply accusing someone of a
crime, filing an FIR and having them arrested since the mere act of getting arrested, even if
9
Vaish Associates Advocates-Vijay Pal Dalmia, ‘Anticipatory Bail Law in India’ (Lexology12 November 2021)
<https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=65663229-cd14-4f1b-ab9b-0bc4965dee55> accessed 30
September 2023.
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later acquitted, can cause great mental anguish, physical harm and loss of employment
opportunities.10
“The necessity for granting anticipatory bail arises mainly because sometimes
influential persons try to implicate their rivals in false cases for the purpose of
disgracing them or for other purposes by getting them detained in jail for some days.
In recent times, with the accentuation of political rivalry, this tendency is showing
Section 438 of the CrPC contains within it, certain conditions and elements that must be
present for the accused to be granted anticipatory bail. The court is expected to base their
1. The nature and gravity of the offence which the accused has been charged with;
2. Whether the applicant has previously undergone imprisonment or been accused of any
cognizable offence;
4. Whether the accusation has been made with a view to to injure or humiliate the
10
Sneha Mahawar, ‘Anticipatory Bail’ (iPleaders26 September 2022) <https://blog.ipleaders.in/anticipatory-
bail/>.
11
Para 39.9, 41st Law Commission Report, 1969.
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In the case of State of Madhya Pradesh v. Pradeep Sharma12, the Apex court observed that
where an accused has been designated an absconder under section 82 of the CrPC and has
failed to cooperate fully with the investigation, he/she shall not be granted anticipatory bail.
Consequently, there are certain criteria that must be met in order to get anticipatory bail-
needed;
2. The individual must not, directly or indirectly, provide any enticement, threat, or
promise to any person familiar with the facts of the case in order to persuade him
3. The individual should not depart India without the court’s prior approval.
12
(2014) 2 SCC 171
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INTERIM BAIL
Interim bail is another type of bail that may be issued by a court to the accused whilst a bail
application, for anticipatory or regular bail, is ongoing and being heard by the court. It is
separate from regular bail and even anticipatory bail, in the sense that it is much quicker and
a completely temporary release. Application for a regular or anticipatory bail may take
certain days or even weeks or perhaps even months to be heard and disposed of, or granted.
Meanwhile, the loss of reputation and mental anguish suffered by the accused would be
certain. Hence, to ensure there is no needless detention due to the time consuming legal
process of getting regular bail, there exists the option for the court to grant interim bail to the
accused and release him from custody until the actual bail application has been disposed of. 13
It is important to note that interim bail is not indefinite and is granted for a short period of
time, usually to cover the time it would take to hear and dispose of the bail application.
However, if the period of interim bail expires and the bail application has not yet been
decided upon, the accused may be arrested and placed back in custody.
Unlike other forms of bail, interim bail does not have a section under the CrPC. However, it
is understood to constitute an inherent power of the court to grant interim bail, provided that
the court sees it fit to grant it. A person’s reputation is a valued asset and is a component of
his or her right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Consequently, it can be concluded
that the power to grant interim bail includes the inherent jurisdiction of the concerned court.
In the case of Sukhwant Singh & Ors. v. State of Punjab(1995)14, the Supreme Court
concluded that “the authority of the courts to give interim relief is inherent in their power to
13
Debashrita Manik, ‘Types of Bail under the Code of Criminal Procedure’ (StrictlyLegal15 July 2022)
<https://strictlylegal.in/types-of-bail-under-the-code-of-criminal-procedure/>.
14
1995 AIR 1380
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grant bail. The idea of interim bail is significant because an accused may risk arrest even
before the verdict on his bail is issued. Interim bail is therefore granted when the court is
persuaded that it is necessary to safeguard the accused from being wrongfully arrested or
imprisoned.”
Further, in Lal Kamlendra Pratap Singh v. the State of U.P. and Ors (2009)15 the Court ruled
that “interim bail should be granted in appropriate circumstances while awaiting the outcome
of the final bail application because arrest and imprisonment could do irreparable harm to a
person’s reputation.”
Finally, in Parminder Singh and Ors. v. the State of Punjab (2001)16 the High Court of Delhi
laid out certain parameters under which interim bail may be granted. They stated that interim
1. When there is no chance that the accused will escape prosecution; and
2. When there is no chance that the defendant will tamper with the evidence.
15
(2009) 4 SCC 437
16
95 (2002) DLT 410
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STATUTORY BAIL
When a person is detained without a warrant, the police are obligated to bring him before a
magistrate if the inquiry is not concluded within 24 hours and to complete the investigation
without undue delay. If the investigation is not concluded within a certain time period, the
Statutory bail, also often referred to as mandatory or default bail, is a legal right, for the
accused who is in custody, that arises and becomes enforceable when the police fail to finish
the investigation, in the accused’s case, within a certain time frame. Contained within section
167(2) of the CrPC, it provides that no Magistrate shall authorise the detention of the accused
1. Ninety days, if the offence that the accused is charged with is punishable with death,
imprisonment for life or for a term not less than ten years;
2. Sixty days, for any other offence other than the ones described above.
On the expiration of this period of sixty or ninety days, as the case may be, the accused shall
be granted bail and released from custody, if he is willing to, and does, furnish bail. It is to be
noted that right to statutory bail is a legal entitlement, despite the nature or severity of the
crime and that the period from which sixty or ninety days are to be counted begins on the date
17
Nupur, ‘Bail Explained under Sections 436 to 450 of CrPC’ (WritingLaw19 November 2021)
<https://www.writinglaw.com/bail-under-crpc/> accessed 30 September 2023.
21
In the case of Bikramjit Singh v. State of Punjab (2020)18 the Supreme Court held that “the
accused has an inalienable right to “default bail” if he applies after the stipulated term for
investigation of an offence has expired but before a charge sheet is submitted.” Further, they
iterated that the right to statutory bail u/s 167(2) is not just a legislative right, but also an
inherent part of the legal system created under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. And that
It is clear from a bare reading of Section 167 that the accused shall be released from custody
if the accused exercises his right to default bail. In other words, although statutory bail
becomes legally enforceable automatically upon the expiration of the time period, it will not
be applicable until and unless the accused exercises his right to default bail and
18
10 SCC 616
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CONCLUSION
In the intricate tapestry of the criminal justice system, the concept of bail stands as a thread
that weaves together the principles of liberty, fairness, and public safety. As we conclude our
exploration of bail, we find ourselves at a juncture where empathy, optimism, and reform
intersect to redefine its role in the pursuit of justice. The evolution of bail in law reflects our
ongoing struggle to strike a balance between individual liberties and collective security. This
delicate equilibrium has been tested, sometimes to the breaking point, in societies across the
world. Yet, it is precisely these challenges that have driven us to rethink and reform the bail
system.
The past has taught us that bail should never be a privilege reserved for the wealthy or well-
communities. Instead, our collective empathy has led to the recognition that bail reform is not
just a legal issue; it is a moral imperative. As we look back at the development of bail,
principles in many nations, it becomes evident that our legal systems have made significant
strides. Constitutions, like the one in India, explicitly affirm the right to personal liberty and
the presumption of innocence. These principles serve as guiding stars, illuminating a path
Landmark judicial decisions, such as those in the United States and India, have underscored
the paramount importance of individual liberty and the need for a liberal approach to bail.
Judges, imbued with wisdom and empathy, have played a pivotal role in ensuring that justice
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Moreover, contemporary reforms have allowed us to leverage technology, risk assessment
tools, and alternative forms of pretrial supervision. These innovations provide us with the
means to make bail not just a matter of monetary value but a reflection of a person's risk to
society.
Our optimism lies in the belief that bail reform is not an insurmountable challenge. It is a
shared commitment to fairness, justice, and empathy. It is a belief that we can craft a future
conviction that we can reimagine bail as a system that uplifts and rehabilitates, rather than
In conclusion, our journey through the history and evolution of bail demonstrates that change
is possible, and it is within our grasp. As we stand at this crossroads, let us choose a path
illuminated by empathy, guided by optimism, and paved with the principles of justice and
fairness. The reimagining of bail is not just a legal endeavor; it is a testament to our
commitment to a brighter and more equitable future. Let us take this opportunity to shape a
world where bail truly serves as a beacon of hope, reflecting the better angels of our nature
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
4. Nupur, ‘Bail Explained under Sections 436 to 450 of CrPC’ (WritingLaw19 November
2023.,
9. Urvashi Saikumar, ‘Indian System of Bail - Anti Poor - Bail Law in India’
(www.legalserviceindia.com)
<https://www.legalserviceindia.com/articles/bail_poor.htm> accessed 30 September
2023.
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