The Supreme Court on Thursday (January 16, 2026) granted pre-arrest bail to two accused in a cheating case linked to multiple FIRs registered in Kerala’s Kannur district. The court also directed the release of ₹42 lakh deposited earlier by the accused, distributing it equally among the complainants. The order came after the bench noted that the investigation was complete and the charge sheet had already been filed.
Background of the Case
The case arose from three FIRs registered at Taliparamba Police Station, Kannur Rural, alleging cheating involving a total amount of ₹60 lakh. The accused, Rajesh Nambiar and another, had approached the Supreme Court seeking pre-arrest bail after the Kerala High Court declined relief.
Read also:- Orissa High Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Senior IAS Officer Over Non-Compliance of Court Order
Earlier, on October 23, 2024, the Supreme Court had granted them interim protection, directing them to deposit a sum of ₹42 lakh as a condition for bail. The amount was deposited before the Judicial First Class Magistrate, Thaliparamba.
Court Observations
During the hearing, counsel for the complainant submitted that while the total alleged cheating amount was ₹60 lakh, the complainants would accept the amount already deposited by the accused. The defence raised no objection to releasing the money.
Taking note of this, the bench observed that the accused had complied with the court’s earlier direction and that the investigation had already been completed.
“The amount has already been deposited and the charge sheet has been filed,” the court noted while considering whether interim protection should continue.
Read also:- Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to Directors in ₹5 Crore Grey Call Routing Case
Decision of the Court
The Supreme Court ordered that the deposited amount of ₹42 lakh be released to the complainants. The court directed that ₹14 lakh each be transferred to the bank accounts of the three complainants after submission of necessary details before the trial court.
Making the interim bail order permanent, the bench ruled that the accused would continue to enjoy pre-arrest bail, subject to cooperation with the investigation and appearance before the investigating officer whenever required.
“The interim order dated October 23, 2024, is made absolute,” the bench said, while disposing of all three criminal appeals.
Case Title: Rajesh Nambiar & Anr. vs Station House Officer, Taliparamba
Case Numbers: Criminal Appeal Nos. 300–302 of 2026
Decision Date: January 16, 2026
