In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India on Friday set aside a Patna High Court order in the case of Punam Devi @ Rupan Devi & Another vs State of Bihar, granting relief to the appellants. The Bench, comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh, allowed the appeal with conditions.
The case originated from a Patna High Court order dated 17 July 2025 in Criminal Miscellaneous No. 46580 of 2025. The appellants, Punam Devi and another, had approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's ruling. Earlier, on 3 September 2025, the apex court had issued notice and directed that in the event of arrest, the petitioners be released on bail upon fulfilling reasonable terms.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court noted that the appellants had complied with all imposed conditions, fully cooperated during investigation, and refrained from influencing witnesses. “It is not in dispute that the appellants have not threatened or intimidated any witnesses, nor tried to influence the investigation in any manner,” the Bench observed. The court further took into account the nature and manner of the alleged crime before arriving at its conclusion.
Allowing the appeal, the Bench confirmed its earlier interim order from 3 September 2025. The Court directed the appellants to continue cooperating in the ongoing investigation and not seek unnecessary adjournments. However, it cautioned that if any delay occurs due to their conduct, the Investigating Officer or Trial Court may initiate proceedings to cancel bail.
The order of the Patna High Court dated 17 July 2025 was thus set aside, concluding the matter in favour of the appellants.
Case Title: Punam Devi @ Rupan Devi & Another vs The State of Bihar
Case Type & Number: Criminal Appeal No. 4581 of 2025
