Delhi High Court Denies Interim Bail to Sushil Kumar

The Delhi High Court rejected the interim bail application of former Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar in connection with the Chhatrasal Stadium murder case. The court emphasized that the gravity of the offenses and the potential threat to the safety of key witnesses outweighed the grounds presented for temporary release.

Gravity of offenses and witness protection

Kumar, who faces charges under Section 302 (murder), Section 307 (attempt to murder), and Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), sought interim relief on personal grounds. The prosecution opposed the plea, highlighting that the trial is at a crucial stage and key eyewitnesses are yet to be examined. The High Court observed that the risk of witness tampering or intimidation remains high given the influential profile of the accused. The bench reiterated that while considering interim bail in heinous crimes, courts must balance individual liberty with the integrity of the administration of justice and the safety of victims and witnesses.

Key takeaway

For bail jurisprudence under Section 439 CrPC (now Section 483 BNSS): the gravity of the offense and the reasonable apprehension of witness tampering are primary grounds to deny bail, overriding personal conveniences or clean antecedents.