Patna High Court
Shakuntala DeviversusThe State of Bihar
- Decided
- Disposal
- ALLOWED
- Bench
- ASHOK KUMAR PANDEY
Holding
The court granted regular bail to the petitioner on a bond of Rs 10,000 with two sureties.
Summary
Shakuntala Devi, mother‑in‑law of the deceased Juli Kumari, applied for regular bail in a criminal case under sections 80(2) and 3(5) of the B.N.S., alleging she had no role in the alleged dowry‑related cruelty and murder of Juli Kumari. The prosecution alleged that Juli Kumari was married in 2019, faced cruelty for a Rs 50 lakh dowry demand and was eventually killed. The petitioner contended she was innocent, suffered from cancer, and had been in judicial custody since 15 October 2025. The State opposed bail. After hearing both sides, the court, considering the petitioner’s health, the nature of the allegations and the circumstances, ordered that she be released on regular bail upon furnishing a bond of Rs 10,000 with two sureties.
Issues considered
- What is the appropriateness of granting regular bail to the petitioner under sections 80(2) and 3(5) of the B.N.S. given the allegations of dowry‑related cruelty and murder?
Legislation cited
- B.N.S. — s. 3(5), 80(2)
Subjects
- regular bail
- dowry death
- cruelty
- health condition
- surety
- criminal miscellaneous
Judgment
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA
CRIMINAL MISCELLANEOUS No.89695 of 2025
Arising Out of PS. Case No.-1106 Year-2025 Thana- DANAPUR District- Patna
======================================================
Shakuntala Devi Wife of Late Shyam Pukar Singh R/O Dwarika Puri,
Lakhani Bigha, P.S.- Danapur, District - Patna
... ... Petitioner/s
Versus
1. The State of Bihar
2. Manoj Kumar Son of Chand Govind Singh R/O Maner Church, Maner, P.S.-
Maner, Dist.- Patna
... ... Opposite Party/s
======================================================
Appearance :
For the Petitioner/s : Mr. Manoj Kumar, Advocate
For the Opposite Party/s : Mr. Mohammad Sufyan, APP
======================================================
CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHOK KUMAR PANDEY
ORAL ORDER
2 15-01-2026 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned
APP for the State.
2. The petitioner has prayed for regular bail in a case
registered for the offence punishable under sections 80(2) and
3(5) of B.N.S.
3. The case of the prosecution is that Juli Kumari
(deceased) was married to one Rakesh Kumar in the year 2019.
It is further alleged that she was subjected to cruelty on account
of non-fulfillment of dowry demand of Rs. 50 lacs. It is also
alleged that, ultimately, she was killed.
4. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the
petitioner is innocent and has committed no offence. Learned
Patna High Court CR. MISC. No.89695 of 2025(2) dt.15-01-2026
2/2
counsel for the petitioner has submitted that as the deceased was
issueless and for this, there was dispute between the deceased
and her husband. Learned counsel for the petitioner has
submitted that petitioner is mother in-law of the deceased and
the nature of allegation is general and omnibus. Learned
counsel for the petitioner has also brought to the knowledge that
the petitioner is suffering from cancer. Moreover, she is
languishing in judicial custody since 15.10.2025.
5. Learned APP appearing for the State has
vehemently opposed the prayer of regular bail.
6. Having heard learned counsel for the parties and
considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this court is
inclined to enlarge the petitioner on bail. The above named
petitioner is directed to be released on bail in connection with
Danapur P.S. Case No. 1106 of 2025 on furnishing bail bond of
Rs.10,000/- (ten thousand) with two sureties of the like amount
each to the satisfaction of learned A.C.J.M. 1, Danapur, Patna.
(Ashok Kumar Pandey, J)
Shubham/-
U T
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