The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Sachin, an accused in a 2022 murder case, while strongly criticising the police investigation over the delay in registering the FIR and the completion of the investigation within hours of its registration. Justice Girish Kathpalia passed the order on October 15, 2026.
The case arose from FIR No. 718/2022, registered at Mandawali Police Station under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with murder. According to the prosecution, Sachin was allegedly involved in a relationship with the deceased’s wife, Hema. On the night of the incident, Hema allegedly sent her sons, Nishant and Rahul, outside the house, after which Sachin and Hema allegedly gave alcohol to the deceased and assaulted him with fists and kicks. Hema later took the deceased to a hospital, where he was declared dead.
The hospital informed the local police about the death on December 4, 2022, through General Diary entry No. 69A. However, the FIR was registered only on December 7, 2022, at around 8:15 pm. The High Court noted that the investigation was completed by midnight that day, raising concerns about the manner in which the case had been investigated.
Sachin was arrested and had remained in custody since December 8, 2022. Seeking regular bail, he argued that the evidence against him was insufficient, while the prosecution relied on witness identification, forensic findings and telephone communication between the accused.
Criticising the handling of the case, the Court observed, “This is a classic case of completely botched up investigation by the IO/Inspector Chetan of PS Janakpuri.”
The Court also questioned why the FIR was not registered promptly despite information indicating an unnatural death. It noted that the investigating officer failed to produce the arrest memo when asked about the circumstances of Sachin’s arrest.
Examining the evidence, the Court found that the witness identification raised concerns because no Test Identification Parade (TIP), a procedure used to establish a suspect’s identity, had been conducted. It also observed that DNA traces of the deceased on the ligature did not connect Sachin to its use.
The Court clarified that its assessment was limited to deciding bail and would not bind the trial court’s independent evaluation of evidence.
Considering the circumstances, the Court allowed the bail application and directed Sachin’s release on furnishing a personal bond of ₹20,000 with one surety for the same amount, to the satisfaction of the trial court or Duty Magistrate.
Case Title: Sachin v. The State of NCT of Delhi
Case Number: Bail Application No. 3281/2026
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