The Orissa High Court has granted bail to a woman accused of allegedly setting fire to vehicles parked near the High Court premises in Cuttack. While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, the Court held that the case justified bail after considering the completion of the investigation, the absence of similar criminal antecedents, and the statutory protection available to women under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Background of the Case
The bail application was filed by Minati Sahoo under Section 483 of the BNSS in connection with Lalbag Police Station Case No. 106 of 2026. According to the prosecution, the petitioner allegedly threw a bottle containing petrol with fire at vehicles parked alongside the boundary wall of the Orissa High Court, resulting in damage to four vehicles. The case was registered for offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Explosive Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel argued that she is a psychiatric patient and that her conduct at the time of the incident was beyond her control. It was also pointed out that the investigation had been completed, the charge sheet had already been filed, and that she was entitled to the benefit available to women under the first proviso to Section 480 of the BNSS.The State opposed the bail plea, submitting that the alleged offences carry severe punishment and should be viewed seriously. Counsel appearing for the informant and one of the victims also opposed the application, expressing concern over the damage caused and the possibility of similar incidents if the petitioner were released.
Court's Observations
Justice G. Satapathy noted that the allegations were serious but also considered several relevant circumstances. The Court recorded that the petitioner is a woman, has a five-year-old child, had remained in custody since 31 March 2026, and that the investigation had concluded with the filing of the charge sheet. The Court further observed that no similar criminal antecedents had been reported against her.
The bench observed,
“The release of an accused is not to be equated with or considered for her acquittal,” while reiterating that every accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty during trial.
The Court clarified that it was expressing no opinion on the merits of the prosecution case while deciding the bail application.
Court's Decision
Allowing the bail application, the High Court directed that the petitioner be released on bail upon furnishing a bond of ₹25,000 with one solvent surety of the like amount.
The Court also imposed conditions requiring that she must not engage in similar activities while on bail, must stay away from the place of occurrence and nearby areas, and must not threaten, influence, or induce witnesses connected with the case.
Case Details
Case Title: Minati Sahoo v. State of Orissa
Case Number: BLAPL No. 5320 of 2026
Judge: Justice G. Satapathy
Decision Date: 23 July 2026
