Supreme Court stays Patna High Court bail condition requiring victim to stand as surety for accused, calls it absurd

The Supreme Court of India stayed a Patna High Court bail condition that mandated the victim to stand as surety for the accused, deeming it "absurd." The Patna High Court had imposed this condition while granting bail to an accused in a sexual harassment case, stating that the victim's involvement would ensure the accused's appearance in court. However, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, found this condition unreasonable and stayed its implementation. The bench emphasized that the victim should not be compelled to participate in the bail process of the accused. The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the need for judicial sensitivity and practicality in framing bail conditions, ensuring that victims are not further burdened or put at risk by the legal process. The matter will be further examined in the next hearing.