Patna High Court
Jhapta Singh @ Jhaptu SinghversusThe State of Bihar
- Decided
- Disposal
- BAIL REJECTED
- Bench
- R P MISHRA
Holding
The bail petition is dismissed; the petitioner remains in custody.
Summary
The petitioner, Jhapta Singh, was arrested in connection with a case registered under Sections 302 and 102(b) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 27 of the Arms Act. He has been in judicial custody since 12 May 2024 and previously sought regular bail, which was denied by the Patna High Court on the grounds of the case's seriousness. The petitioner renewed his bail application, arguing that he has been detained without sufficient justification, while the State opposed the relief. The Court examined the trial report, noting that only three of ten prosecution witnesses have been examined and the trial is expected to conclude within nine months. Finding no fresh ground to revisit the earlier decision, the Court again rejected the bail petition, directing the lower court to expedite the trial within six months and permitting a future bail application if the deadline is missed.
Issues considered
- Whether the petitioner is entitled to bail despite the gravity of offenses under Sections 302, 102(b) IPC and Section 27 Arms Act
- Whether any fresh ground exists to reconsider the earlier bail denial
Legislation cited
- Arms Act — s. 27
- Indian Penal Code — s. 102(b), 302
Subjects
- bail
- murder
- abetment
- arms possession
- trial delay
- criminal procedure
Judgment
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA
CRIMINAL MISCELLANEOUS No.15075 of 2026
Arising Out of PS. Case No.-166 Year-2024 Thana- ALAMNAGAR District- Madhepura
======================================================
Jhapta Singh @ Jhaptu Singh Son of Late Ramotar Singh Resident of Village-
Khapur, P.S.- Alamnagar, District- Madhepura.
... ... Petitioner/s
Versus
The State of Bihar
... ... Opposite Party/s
======================================================
Appearance :
For the Petitioner/s : Mr.Brajesh Kumar Singh Alias Brajesh Singh, Adv.
For the Opposite Party/s : Ms. Renu Kumari, A.P.P.
======================================================
CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE RUDRA PRAKASH
MISHRA
ORAL ORDER
3 18-03-2026 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned APP
for the State.
2. The petitioner seeks bail in connection with
Alamnagar (Ratwara O.P) P.S. Case No. 166 of 2024 (S.T. No.
276 of 2025) instituted for the offences under Sections 302 and
102(B)of the Indian Penal Code and Section 27 of the Arms Act.
3. Earlier vide order dated 10.01.2025 passed in Cr.
Misc. No. 74199 of 2024, regular bail of the petitioner was
rejected by this Court considering the nature and gravity of the
case.
4. In compliance of the order dated 25.02.2026, a report
dated 09.03.2026 with regard to the present stage of trial has
been received. From perusal of the aforesaid report, it appears
that the case is fixed for prosecution evidence. Out of ten
Patna High Court CR. MISC. No.15075 of 2026(3) dt.18-03-2026
2/2
witnesses, three witnesses have been examined. It is further
reported that the trial of this case is likely to be concluded
within a period of nine months.
5. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the
petitioner is languishing in judicial custody since 12.05.2024
without any rhymes or reason.
6. Learned APP for the State opposes the prayer for
grant of bail.
7. There is no fresh ground to consider the bail petition
of the petitioner.
8. In view of the above, the prayer for bail of the
petitioner is again rejected with a direction to the court below to
expedite the trial and conclude the same expeditiously
preferably within a period of six months from today. If the trial
is not concluded within the period of six months, as stated
above, the petitioner will be at liberty to renew his prayer before
the court below.
(Rudra Prakash Mishra, J)
manish/-
U T
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