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Judgment
Hemant Chandangoudar, J
The petitioners-accused Nos. 6, 11 and 13 were arrested in relation to Crime No.279/2023 registered by the Huliyurdurga Police Station for the offences punishable 143, 147, 148, 120B,114, 302 and 149 of IPC are before this Court seeking relief.
The petitioners were arrested on 5.1.2024/6.1.2024 and continued to be in judicial custody as of today.
Sri Hashmath Pasha, learned senior counsel representing the petitioners counsel submits that petitioners were not served with the grounds of arrest at the time of their arrest and therefore the same is in violation of Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India. In support, the learned counsel for the petitioner relies on the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Vihaan Kumar v. State of Haryana & another, reported in 2025 INSC 162.
The learned High Court Government Pleader has placed on record the document in relation to the arrest of the petitioners herein. Perusal of the documents produced by the learned HCGP indicates that except serving the intimation of arrest, there is no document to substantiate that the grounds of arrest was served on the petitioners at the time of arrest.
The Hon’ble Apex Court in Vihaan Kumar (supra), following its earlier decision, held that the requirement to inform a person of the grounds of arrest is not a mere formality but a mandatory constitutional obligation. Article 22, which is part of Part III of the Constitution of India under the fundamental rights, guarantees that every person arrested and detained in custody must be informed of the grounds of arrest as soon as possible. Failure to do so would constitute a violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 22(1) and would effectively deprive the arrestee of his liberty, as no person may be deprived of liberty except in accordance with the procedure established by law under Article 21.
In the instant case, it is admitted that the petitioners were not served with the grounds of arrest at the time of their arrest. Therefore, their arrest stands vitiated and is in violation of Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India.
Accordingly, the petition is allowed. The Chief Superintendent of Prison, District Prison, Tumakuru is hereby directed to release the petitioners-accused No.6, 11 and 13 forthwith from judicial custody in S.C.No.193/2024 (Arising out of Crime No.279/2023 registered by the Huliyurdurga Police station) on the file of the VI Additional District & Sessions Judge, Tumakuru, subject to the following conditions:
i. The petitioners-accused 6, 11 and 13 shall execute a personal bond for a sum of ₹1,00,000 each with one local surety each, in a manner and for a bond sum satisfactory to the Trial Court within two weeks from the date of his release;
ii. The petitioner shall not directly or indirectly threaten or tamper with any prosecution witnesses;
iii. The petitioner shall appear before the Trial Court as and when required;
iv. The petitioner shall not engage in similar offences in the future;
v. The concerned Jail Authorities are hereby directed to release the petitioners forthwith without any delay, and immediately upon receipt of a copy of this order, provided they are not required for any other proceedings;
vi. The Registry is directed to communicate this order to the concerned Jail Authorities immediately, both via e-mail and telephonically.
Hand delivery permitted.