In a brief but eventful hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Raushan Sinha, who was facing arrest in a 2024 cyber-crime-related case registered in Hyderabad. The bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Aravind Kumar set aside the Telangana High Court’s April order, which had earlier refused him the same protection. The courtroom moved at its usual pace, though one could sense a slight tension as counsels from both sides tried to underline the seriousness or the lack of it behind the allegations.
Background
Sinha was named as an accused in FIR No. 1619/2024, lodged on 2 July 2024 at the Cyber Crimes Police Station, Hyderabad. The FIR invoked several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including Sections 352, 353(2), 353(1)(c), and 336(4) offences broadly relating to assault, obstruction of public servants, and acts endangering life.
While the High Court had rejected his plea for anticipatory bail, the defence repeatedly pointed out before the Supreme Court that Sinha was never arrested during the entire investigation phase, and the chargesheet had already been filed on 2 July 2025.
Court’s Observations
The bench heard both sides calmly, occasionally pausing to parse through the case papers. At one point, Justice Datta remarked that the nature of the allegations did not appear to necessitate custodial interrogation.
“The bench observed, ‘If arrest was not required during investigation, its necessity now becomes even harder to justify.’”
The State attempted to argue that the offences carried elements of intimidation and obstruction, but the judges appeared unconvinced. They also noted that charges were yet to be framed and the trial could take its natural course without compromising the investigation.
Another gentle but pointed observation from the bench was that anticipatory bail, in appropriate situations, protects individuals from unnecessary humiliation without interfering with the prosecution’s rights.
Decision
The Supreme Court ultimately set aside the Telangana High Court’s order and directed that if Sinha is arrested at any stage, he must be released on bail immediately by the arresting officer or the trial court.
The order laid down safeguards as well: Sinha must cooperate with any further investigation, avoid influencing witnesses, and follow all conditions imposed by the trial court. The bench added a cautionary note if he violates the terms, the trial court may cancel his bail.
With that, the matter was disposed of. The judges made it clear that their observations should not be taken as comments on the merits of the case.
Case Title:- Raushan Sinha vs. State of Telangana
Case Type: SLP (Crl.) No. 9925 of 2025
