The Delhi High Court has granted regular bail to a gym trainer accused in a case involving allegations of sexual assault, blackmail, and extortion, observing that “morality has to be kept separate from the offence” while deciding questions of personal liberty.
Justice Girish Kathpalia passed the order on May 12, 2026, in a bail plea filed by accused Sabir.
Background of the Case
According to the prosecution, the complainant, a practising advocate, met the accused at a gym where he worked as a trainer. The FIR alleged that the accused gave her a drink mixed with an intoxicating substance, after which she became unconscious. She later claimed that he sexually assaulted her at an Oyo hotel in Ghaziabad and clicked objectionable photographs.
The complainant further alleged that the accused threatened to circulate the pictures on social media and demanded money from her. She stated that she paid ₹65,000 after he allegedly demanded ₹1 lakh. The FIR also accused him of repeatedly assaulting her under threats of releasing the photographs online.
On the other hand, counsel for the accused argued that the relationship between the two adults was consensual and that the FIR was lodged only after the relationship turned sour. The defence also submitted photographs and video clips before the court, claiming they reflected a voluntary romantic relationship between the parties.
Court’s Observations
While hearing the matter, the court noted that the complainant was around 30 years old, educated, and a practising advocate. The bench observed that she had not claimed that the relationship was based on any false promise of marriage.
The court also questioned certain aspects of the allegations. Referring to the complainant’s claim that she lost consciousness at the gym in Delhi and was later taken to a hotel in Ghaziabad, the court said it was “prima facie difficult to understand” how such travel occurred after she allegedly became unconscious.
Justice Kathpalia further noted that the investigating officer informed the court that no objectionable photographs or videos of the complainant were found on the accused’s seized mobile phone. The court said the material placed on record only showed “consensual romantic relations” and not obscene content.
Rejecting arguments raised by the prosecution regarding the accused being married and belonging to a different religion than the complainant, the court remarked,
“Morality has to be kept separate from the offence, that too while dealing with the matter of liberty of an individual.”
Decision
Taking note of the circumstances and the fact that the accused had remained in custody since November 2025, the Delhi High Court allowed the bail application.
The court directed that the accused be released on bail upon furnishing a personal bond of ₹10,000 along with one surety of the same amount to the satisfaction of the trial court.
The bench clarified that the observations made in the bail order would not affect the trial and that the final outcome would depend solely on evidence led before the trial court.
Case Details
Case Title: Sabir v. State (Govt. of NCT Delhi) & Anr.
Case Number: BAIL APPLN. 1523/2026
Judge: Justice Girish Kathpalia
Decision Date: May 12, 2026
