Supreme Court Grants Bail to Dowry Death Accused After Prolonged Custody.


23 September 2025 Bail and Antcipatory Bail >> Criminal Law   |   Dowry death >> Criminal Law  

The Supreme Court has released Shuaib, a Muzaffarnagar accused of a dowry death case, on regular bail after observing that his custody had lasted for more than two and a half years and the trial made slow progress.

Shuaib was accused under Sections 498A and 304B of the Indian Penal Code and also under sections of the Dowry Prohibition Act, after his wife died in March 2023. The case was lodged at Civil Lines Police Station, Muzaffarnagar. While his parents had already obtained bail, Shuaib's previous application in front of Allahabad High Court had been rejected in November 2023.

He subsequently moved the Supreme Court with a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in 2024. At that point, the Court had instructed the trial court to wrap up the proceedings within a year, while reserving Shuaib's freedom to apply for bail again in case the trial continued pending.

 
 
 
 

At the recent hearing, the applicant's counsel raised the fact that out of 19 prosecution witnesses, only the first witness has started giving evidence. The delay coupled with Shuaib's long detention made the Court hear his prayer for bail. The bench consisting of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan noted these submissions and held merit in the prayer for release.

Contrary to the application, the State's counsel contended that the charges were serious since the suicide of the deceased was allegedly due to harassment for dowry demands. Nevertheless, the Court noted that the slow pace of the trial and the prolonged detention of the applicant warranted relief in the current circumstances.

Directing the release of Shuaib, the judges ordered the concerned Sessions Court to impose suitable safeguards to ensure his presence and cooperation at trial. The Court warned that any effort to influence witnesses or interfere with evidence would mean cancellation of bail.

Issuing these directions, the Supreme Court granted the application, releasing Shuaib from jail while maintaining the criminal proceedings on foot.


Section 304B., Indian Penal Code - 1860  

Section 498A., Indian Penal Code - 1860  

Indian Penal Code, 1860  

Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961