The Karnataka High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Mahesh Shetty Thimarody in a case arising out of an alleged telephone conversation involving remarks against a woman. The Court held that custodial interrogation was not necessary for the investigation and that the petitioner could cooperate with the probe while remaining on bail.
Justice R. Nataraj passed the order on May 26, 2026, while allowing a criminal petition filed by Mahesh Shetty Thimarody seeking protection from arrest in Crime No. 21/2026 registered by the D.K. Women Police Station.
Background of the Case
According to the complaint, the woman approached the police after learning from her son about a conversation allegedly exchanged between the petitioner and another person named Prajwal. The conversation was reportedly forwarded to her son.
The complainant alleged that the petitioner made remarks linking her to a prominent individual and questioned the parentage of certain family members. She claimed that the statements damaged her dignity, outraged her modesty, and created hostility between groups.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case against the petitioner under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The petitioner had earlier sought anticipatory bail before the District Court, but his plea was rejected on May 6, 2026. He then moved the High Court for relief.
Court's Observations
Appearing for the petitioner, counsel argued that the conversation was being misunderstood and that the alleged offences did not carry punishment of death or life imprisonment. It was also contended that the petitioner had been targeted due to his attempts to expose certain individuals.
The State opposed the plea, arguing that the allegations were serious and that custodial interrogation was necessary for a proper investigation.
After considering both sides, Justice Nataraj observed that the offences involved were not punishable with death or life imprisonment and that the case essentially revolved around a telephone conversation.
“The only consideration that should have weighed in the mind of the Trial Court was whether there is a prima facie case against the petitioner and whether granting anticipatory bail would embolden the petitioner to flee from the hands of justice,” the Court observed.
The Court further noted that while the petitioner may be required to provide a voice sample for forensic examination, this could be ensured through appropriate conditions and did not require custodial interrogation.
Decision
Allowing the petition, the Karnataka High Court directed that Mahesh Shetty Thimarody be released on anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest.
The Court ordered him to execute a personal bond of ₹2 lakh with a solvent surety, cooperate with the investigation, provide his voice sample when required, refrain from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, and not leave the court's jurisdiction without prior permission.
The Court also clarified that any violation of these conditions could lead to cancellation of bail.
Case Details
Case Title: Mahesh Shetty Thimarody v. State of Karnataka
Case Number: Criminal Petition No. 7376 of 2026
Judge: Justice R. Nataraj
Decision Date: May 26, 2026
