The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a clarification in the ongoing criminal case involving Rajesh from Bundi, Rajasthan, allowing the Trial Court to independently consider his regular bail plea. The matter, which has seen multiple hearings across the Rajasthan High Court and Supreme Court this year, returned to the spotlight after the complainant sought cancellation of bail bonds and accountability of the judicial officer who earlier declined the request.
Background
The case originates from an FIR lodged in 2023 at Dabi Police Station, Bundi, alleging cheating and forgery under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 166 of the Indian Penal Code. Rajesh had initially approached the Rajasthan High Court seeking anticipatory bail, which was rejected in March 2025.
The matter then reached the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition. In April 2025, the Court granted temporary protection from arrest, but after fuller arguments, the SLP was dismissed on May 20, 2025.
Following that dismissal, the complainant moved the Trial Court requesting cancellation of the bail bonds already furnished. However, the Trial Court refused the request on June 30, 2025. This order triggered the present Miscellaneous Application before the Supreme Court seeking clarification and directions.
Court’s Observations
During the hearing, the bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh examined why the Trial Court declined to cancel the bail bonds despite the Supreme Court having dismissed the SLP.
The bench noted that the judicial officer’s decision did not appear to be influenced by any improper motive. The Court appreciated the explanation submitted by senior advocate Pallav Sisodia on behalf of the judicial officer, stating it provided clarity on the reasoning behind the June 30 order.
“The bench observed, ‘The passing of the order was neither ill intended nor malafide. The judicial officer acted within the circumstances and material before him.’”
The Court also expressed gratitude to senior counsel and amicus curiae who assisted the bench, acknowledging their effort in unpacking the procedural history.
Decision
In its final order, the Supreme Court disposed of the Miscellaneous Application with two clear directions:
- The Trial Court is now free to hear and decide any regular bail application filed by Rajesh. The Court emphasized that such consideration must be on the merits of the case, without being influenced by previous proceedings at the Supreme Court.
- No adverse remark or career consequence shall fall on the judicial officer who earlier refused cancellation of the bail bonds. The Court specifically directed that the related orders and discussions must not be entered into the officer’s service records.
With these clarifications, the application was formally disposed of.
Case Title: Rajesh vs State of Rajasthan & Another
Court: Supreme Court of India
Case Type: Criminal Appeal / Miscellaneous Application in SLP (Crl.)
FIR Details:
- FIR No.: 44/2023
- Police Station: Dabi, District Bundi (Rajasthan)
- Charges: Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 166 IPC (Cheating, Forgery, Using Forged Documents, Public Servant Misconduct)