The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Saba Masud, a Pakistani national accused of residing in India on forged documents, observing that the prosecution had not placed any prima facie material to establish forgery or fraud. Justice Krishan Pahal noted that the applicant had been living in India for over three decades on the strength of a valid long-term visa and residential permit issued by the competent authorities.
Background of the Case
The bail application arose from Case Crime No. 33 of 2026 registered at Delhi Gate Police Station, Meerut, under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Foreigners Act. The FIR alleged that Saba Masud and her daughter, both Pakistani nationals, were residing in India on the basis of forged documents and passports. It was also alleged that the applicant had entered India after marrying an Indian citizen and had engaged in activities that raised security concerns.
Before the Court, the applicant maintained that she had married an Indian citizen in Lahore in 1986 and had legally entered and continued to stay in India on a long-term visa granted and periodically extended by Indian authorities. She further stated that her applications for Indian citizenship, filed in 2010 and 2011, were still pending before the competent authorities and that she had never concealed her Pakistani nationality.
Court's Observations
After hearing all sides, the Court examined the documents placed on record and found that the applicant had been residing in India for more than 35 years under a valid long-term visa and residential permit. The Court also noted that despite the allegations, the prosecution could not produce material showing that the applicant had prima facie committed forgery or fraud. During the hearing, the State referred to her travel within Uttar Pradesh, but the Court recorded that no additional material indicating fraudulent conduct had been brought on record.
Observing the overall circumstances, the bench stated,
“Considering the facts and circumstances of the case... no material has been brought on record to indicate that she committed any forgery/fraud, prima facie, the Court is of the view that the applicant has made out a case for bail.”
Court's Decision
Allowing the bail application, Justice Krishan Pahal directed that Saba Masud be released on bail upon furnishing a personal bond and two sureties to the satisfaction of the trial court. The Court imposed standard conditions requiring her not to tamper with evidence, intimidate witnesses, and to appear before the trial court as required.
It also clarified that any breach of these conditions could result in cancellation of bail and that the observations made in the order would not influence the trial on merits.
Case Details
Case Title: Saba Masud v. State of U.P.
Case Number: Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 15601 of 2026
Judge: Justice Krishan Pahal
Decision Date: 5 August 2026
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