The Gujarat High Court has granted regular bail to a law student accused in a case linked to alleged cricket betting and financial transactions through fictitious firms. The Court observed that the applicant's role appeared to be limited to carrying out registration-related work at the instructions of the main accused and that no money trail was traced to his account.
Background of the Case
The bail application was filed by Ankitkumar Ramchandra Padhiyar (Mali) under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). He was arrested in connection with FIR No. 11206043260223 of 2026 registered at Mehsana Police Station for offences under Sections 318(4), 336(4), 338, 340 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The applicant argued that he was merely an employee working under co-accused Vipul Patel and Gaurang Darji. According to the defence, his work was confined to obtaining GST registrations, Udyam Certificates and other related formalities, while no financial transaction or illegal money trail was linked to him. The defence also pointed out that the investigation had concluded and the charge sheet had already been filed.
The State opposed the plea, contending that the applicant was present at the premises and had knowingly assisted in creating fictitious firms and opening bank accounts used for routing money allegedly generated through cricket betting activities. It also argued that his release could affect the investigation and trial.
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Court's Observations
After examining the investigation papers and witness statements, Justice Hasmukh D. Suthar noted that the principal allegations were directed against the co-accused, while the applicant's involvement appeared to be confined to opening bank accounts, securing GST registration and completing allied documentation on their instructions.
The bench observed, "Except this, no money trail and no role attributed to the present applicant."
The Court also took note that the investigation was complete, the charge sheet had been filed, nothing remained to be recovered from the applicant, he had no criminal antecedents, and he had remained in custody since March 24, 2026.
Referring to the Supreme Court's decisions on bail, the Court reiterated that prolonged detention before trial should ordinarily be avoided.
"The celebrated principle of bail jurisprudence is that 'bail is a rule and jail is exception',"
the Court observed while emphasizing the protection of personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Court's Decision
Allowing the application, the High Court directed that the applicant be released on regular bail upon furnishing a personal bond of ₹25,000 with one surety of the like amount. The Court imposed several conditions, including regular attendance before the concerned police station, surrender of passport if any, restriction on leaving Gujarat without prior permission, and a direction not to influence witnesses or engage in any unlawful activity. It also clarified that the observations made in the bail order are preliminary and shall not affect the trial on merits.
Case Details:
Case Title: Ankitkumar Ramchandra Padhiyar (Mali) v. State of Gujarat
Case Number: R/Criminal Misc. Application (For Regular Bail – After Chargesheet) No. 13468 of 2026
Judge: Justice Hasmukh D. Suthar
Decision Date: July 7, 2026
