Pooja Bhatia v. Vishnu Narain Shivpuri
Background
A wife challenged bail granted to her husband in proceedings alleging confinement, attempted acid violence and threats. After his release, police reported that he threatened to repeat the acid attack; chemical testing also found sulphuric acid on her damaged T-shirt.
Decision Breakdown
The Court cancelled bail, set aside the High Court's order and directed the accused to surrender within two weeks. It recognised that cancelling existing bail requires care because it withdraws an individual's liberty. Here, the seriousness of the alleged acid incident and the documented conduct after release justified intervention. The trial court was asked to make every effort to finish the trial within six months; the order did not determine guilt.
Lesson Learnt
Bail can be withdrawn when a released accused threatens the complainant or interferes with justice; documented misconduct after release matters even before the criminal trial concludes.