Magistrate/Sessions Court Can Grant Default Bail Even If Regular Bail Plea Is Pending in High Court: Punjab & Haryana High Court

In a landmark ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has reaffirmed the position that both Magistrates and Sessions Courts retain full authority to grant default bail, irrespective of whether a regular bail application is pending before a Sessions Court or the High Court. This interpretation of Section 187(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), corresponding to Section 167(2) of the CrPC, ensures that an accused’s fundamental right…