In a detailed order passed on October 28, 2025, the Madhya Pradesh High Court at Jabalpur granted bail to Ajeet Pal Singh, accused in a controversial blackmail and sexual assault case involving an elected woman municipal chairperson from Sidhi district. The division bench of Justice Devnarayan Mishra heard the matter and allowed Singh’s third bail plea under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Background
The case stems from an FIR registered at Kotwali Police Station, Sidhi, alleging offences under Sections 64(1), 308(5), 296, and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Singh has been in judicial custody since January 13, 2025.
His earlier bail applications were withdrawn in April and September this year. According to the defense, the complainant a well-educated woman and sitting municipality chairperson had been in a consensual relationship with Singh. Things allegedly turned sour when her husband discovered the affair and initiated divorce proceedings in November 2024, naming Singh as a co-respondent.
Defense counsel Alok Vagrecha argued that the case was motivated by personal vendetta. He pointed out that the complainant’s husband later abandoned the divorce petition, which was dismissed for want of prosecution in August 2025. “The FIR was filed under pressure from her husband,” Vagrecha said, citing phone call transcripts and other materials submitted in sealed cover.
Court’s Observations
Justice Mishra noted that the record indicated a prior acquaintance and close relationship between the parties. The Court took into account the defense contention that there was no direct financial transaction showing extortion, and that certain amounts mentioned in witness statements were actually loans from a relative.
The prosecution, however, strongly opposed bail, arguing that explicit photos and videos of the victim were found on Singh’s phone, allegedly used to blackmail her. The State contended that Singh had criminal antecedents, including a prior assault conviction, and that a rape case acquittal against him was under appeal.
Despite these points, the bench observed that the evidence presented required full trial scrutiny. “Considering the facts and circumstances brought on record and going through the material placed, it is clear that the parties were well acquainted with each other,” the judge remarked while emphasizing that the order did not touch upon the merits of the case.
Decision
Allowing the bail plea, the Court directed Singh’s release on a personal bond of ₹50,000 with a solvent surety of the same amount. It also imposed several conditions he must not threaten or influence the victim or witnesses, must attend every court hearing personally, and must not repeat any offence.
Importantly, the bench warned that if Singh were booked in any other serious offence within a year, this bail order would “automatically cease to have effect,” allowing the trial court to take him into custody without further direction from the High Court.
The Court also directed compliance with Section 480(3) of BNSS and concluded, “Accordingly, the miscellaneous criminal case stands disposed of.”
Case Title: Ajeet Pal Singh vs State of Madhya Pradesh
Court: High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur Bench
Judge: Hon’ble Justice Devnarayan Mishra
Case Number: Misc. Criminal Case No. 44293 of 2025
Date of Order: 28 October 2025
