Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 6: The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea seeking the cancellation of bail for an accused, ruling that social media posts celebrating bail and the mere presence of co-accused near the complainant’s home are insufficient grounds for revoking bail in the absence of concrete evidence of threats or intimidation. Justice Ravinder Dudeja, who presided over the matter, emphasized that cancellation of bail already granted requires “very cogent and overwhelming circumstances,” distinguishing it from the initial decision to deny bail.

The petition was filed by Zafer Alam under Section 483(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), alleging that Manish—the accused—and his associates created a threatening environment post-release by flaunting weapons online and being seen near the petitioner’s residence. The petitioner claimed ongoing hostility between the parties, stemming from an earlier altercation involving the petitioner’s son, and accused Manish of using deadly weapons to intimidate the family.

However, the prosecution, represented by additional public prosecutor Aman Usman, countered that the petitioner had neither approached the Sessions Court for bail cancellation nor lodged any complaint with the police about threats or criminal intimidation after the bail was granted. The court noted the lack of supporting evidence and stressed that social media activity or physical proximity alone do not prove criminal intent or intimidation.

Justice Dudeja concluded that without any formal complaint or credible proof of a specific threat, there was no basis to interfere with the bail order. The accused, in custody since March 13, had been released on bail under strict conditions, including not threatening witnesses or engaging in any further unlawful activity.