Parity Prevails: Supreme Court Grants Bail to Mohd. Hanif Mammad Amidst Ongoing Trial.
15 October 2025
The application was heard before the Bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Alok Aradhe, under the criminal appellate jurisdiction of the Court. The appellant was in custody since 20 September 2024, and his second bail application had been denied by the High Court.
During the hearing, the appellant's counsel pointed out that the trial had already begun and that all other co-accused in the same matter had been admitted to bail. Noting the same, the Supreme Court held that there was no valid reason to persist in refusing bail to the appellant when co-accused had the benefit of similar relief. The Court therefore granted the appeal, releasing the appellant on bail on the doctrine of parity, subject to terms and conditions to be determined by the trial court.
The order particularly instructs the appellant to assist in the continuation of the trial and refrain from any action that might cause a delay. The Supreme Court also made it clear that its remarks were limited to the advisability of grant of bail only and were not reflective of any opinion on the merits of the case.