Bail is the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, usually on the condition that a sum of money or security is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.



Key Types of Bail

Regular Bail: Granted to a person who has already been arrested and is currently in police or judicial custody.
Anticipatory Bail: Granted to a person who apprehends or anticipates arrest for a non-bailable offense, protecting them from being arrested upon release.
Interim Bail: Temporary bail granted for a short duration while the main application for regular or anticipatory bail is pending.
Statutory (or Default) Bail: Granted if the investigating agency fails to file a charge sheet/statutory report within the prescribed timeline (e.g., 60 or 90 days).

Core Principles

Presumption of Innocence: Based on the legal maxim "bail, not jail," bail ensures that an unconvicted person is not deprived of personal liberty unnecessarily before guilt is established.
Conditions of Bail: Courts often impose conditions such as surrendering passports, reporting to local police stations periodically, or staying away from witnesses to prevent tampering with evidence or flight risk.