Patna High Court
Ram Krit MahtoversusThe State of Bihar
- Decided
- Disposal
- BAIL GRANTED
- Bench
- SANDEEP KUMAR
Holding
Regular bail is granted in the case subject to conditions.
Summary
The petitioner, Ram Krit Mahto, was arrested on charges under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000. The prosecution alleged that he was caught red‑handed, while the petitioner contended that the FIR was false, the informant was a relative of his son‑in‑law, and the audio record showed no demand for money. He further emphasized his unblemished service record, imminent superannuation, age‑related ailments and clean antecedents, having been in custody since 6 January 2026. The State opposed the bail application. After considering the submissions and the circumstances, the Court allowed regular bail subject to a cash bond of Rs 10,000 with two sureties and standard conditions.
Issues considered
- Whether the petitioner is entitled to regular bail despite the charge under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act
- Whether the allegations constitute a prima facie case warranting continued detention
- Whether the petitioner's health, service record and period of custody justify bail
Legislation cited
- Prevention of Corruption Act — s. 7
Subjects
- bail
- Prevention of Corruption Act
- Section 7
- bribery
- regular bail
- high court
- criminal procedure
- health
- service record
Judgment
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA
CRIMINAL MISCELLANEOUS No.24886 of 2026
Arising Out of PS. Case No.-1 Year-2026 Thana- VIGILANCE District- Patna
======================================================
Ram Krit Mahto Son of Nathuni Mahto Resident of village - Bhauprashad,
P.S.- Dumra, District - Sitamarhi.
... ... Petitioner/s
Versus
The State of Bihar
... ... Opposite Party/s
======================================================
Appearance :
For the Petitioner/s : Mr. Amit Kumar Jha
For the Opposite Party/s : Mr. Tarun Prasad Mandal
For the SVU : Mr. Rana Vikram Singh
======================================================
CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE SANDEEP KUMAR
ORAL ORDER
3 23-04-2026 Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, learned
APP for the State and the learned counsel appearing for the
SVU.
2. The petitioner seeks regular bail in connection with
Special Case No. 09 of 2026 (SVU P.S. Case No. 01 of 2026)
registered for the offence under Section(s) 7 of the Prevention of
Corruption Act.
3. As per the prosecution case, the petitioner was
caught red-handed while accepting bribe of Rs. 10,000/- from
the complainant.
4. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the
petitioner is innocent and has not committed any offence. The
allegations levelled against the petitioner in the FIR are false,
Patna High Court CR. MISC. No.24886 of 2026(3) dt.23-04-2026
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frivolous, and baseless. It is submitted that the petitioner has
been falsely implicated in the present case due to criminal
pressure. The informant is a relative of the petitioner’s son-in-
law, and as such, they are known to each other. It is further
submitted that, upon perusal of the transcript of the alleged
audio recording, it would transpire that there is no conversation
regarding any demand of Rs. 10,000/- in relation to the alleged
work. It is also submitted that the petitioner had already
submitted his report on 17.12.2025; therefore, there was no
occasion for the petitioner to demand any bribe, as the work of
the informant was already pending before him. It is further
submitted that the petitioner has an unblemished service record,
is on the verge of superannuation, and is suffering from age-
related ailments for which he is undergoing continuous medical
treatment. The petitioner is in custody since 06.01.2026 and has
clean antecedent.
5. Learned A.P.P. for the State has vehemently
opposed the prayer for bail.
6. Having considered the rival submissions and taking
into account the facts and circumstances of the case, nature of
allegation and period of custody, this application for regular bail
is allowed.
Patna High Court CR. MISC. No.24886 of 2026(3) dt.23-04-2026
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7. Accordingly, let the petitioner, above named, be
released on bail on furnishing bail bonds of Rs. 10,000/- (Ten
Thousand) with two sureties of the like amount each to the
satisfaction of the learned Court below where the case is
pending/successor Court in connection with Special Case No.
09 of 2026 (SVU P.S. Case No. 01 of 2026), subject to
conditions that:-
(i). The petitioner shall appear in
the trial regularly either personally or
through his lawyer and shall cooperate in
the trial and non-cooperation in the trial
shall result in cancellation of the bail bond
of the petitioner.
(ii). The petitioner shall not,
directly or indirectly, make any inducement,
threat, or promise to any person acquainted
with the facts of the case;
(iii) The petitioner shall not
tamper with the evidence in any manner
whatsoever.
8. It is made clear that any observation made herein is
prima facie in nature and limited solely for the purpose of
adjudication of the present bail application. Such observations
shall not be construed as an expression on the merits of the case
Patna High Court CR. MISC. No.24886 of 2026(3) dt.23-04-2026
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and shall not influence the trial or any other proceedings in any
manner.
(Sandeep Kumar, J)
Shishir/-
U T
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