The Supreme Court of India on Friday, October 17, 2025, set aside a Calcutta High Court order and granted relief to Uttam Gayen alias Gain, who had been accused in a criminal case from Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal. The top court confirmed the earlier interim bail granted to Gayen after noting his full cooperation with the investigation.
Background
Gayen had approached the Supreme Court challenging the July 18, 2025 order of the Calcutta High Court in C.R.M.(A) No.1972/2025, which had denied him anticipatory bail. The case stems from CR Case No.392 of 2024, linked to a seizure in Islampur, Uttar Dinajpur. Earlier, on September 4, 2025, the Supreme Court had issued a notice and granted him interim protection from arrest, directing that he be released on bail in case of arrest.
Court's Observations
During the hearing, the Bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh took note of Gayen’s conduct during the ongoing probe. The bench observed,
"It is not in dispute that the conditions stand fully complied with; the appellant has cooperated during the investigation and has not influenced witnesses in any manner."
The judges also referred to the nature of the alleged crime and the manner of its commission, indicating that while the charges were serious, the petitioner’s behavior during investigation merited continuation of bail.
Court's Decision
Confirming its earlier order, the Supreme Court allowed Gayen's appeal and set aside the Calcutta High Court’s July 18 order. The bench directed the appellant to continue cooperating in the investigation and cautioned that
"if the investigation or trial is delayed on account of the appellant’s conduct, the authorities may take appropriate steps, including cancellation of bail."
With that, the Court disposed of all pending applications, marking the end of Gayen's immediate legal battle at the apex level.
Case Title: Uttam Gayen @ Gain vs. The State of West Bengal
Case Number: Criminal Appeal No. 4583 of 2025
