Mubin Shaikh v. The State of Maharashtra & Anr.
Background
This order sends the case back; it does not decide the dispute. Six accused in a murder case were granted bail by the Bombay High Court in an order that appeared to treat the victim's religion as a mitigating factor.
Decision Breakdown
This is not a final decision on the dispute. The Court held that this reasoning was impermissible and set aside the bail order. It sent the bail applications back to the High Court to be decided afresh on merits within six weeks, without commenting on the merits.
Lesson Learnt
A bail order cannot rest on the religion or community of the victim.