HC grants bail to man acquitted six years ago

MUMBAI: Acquitted in a criminal case in 2006, but still behind bars as he couldn't afford a cash bail of Rs 5000, an accused has finally been ordered to be released immediately on a personal bond for the amount by the Bombay high court. The HC bench of Justices V M Kanade and P D Kode said that since he is acquitted he ought to have been released on bail forthwith and directed that the appeal filed by the state against his acquittal be listed for final hearing on July 30 for an expeditious disposal.
The bench on July 16 was shocked that the accused Sanjeev, alias Lali Piwal, who sent his bail application through jail was still behind bars.He was granted bail by the trial court after his acquittal for Rs 5000 which he couldn't pay and in the meant time got accused in another case in which he was convicted and sentenced to three years' jail. He has been in jail since September 2008 said the HC. Even from that date, his three year sentence is already over. The HC bench said that in its opinion Piwal, since he cnnot afford cash bail, ought to be released on a personal bond and directed the prison authorities to ensure compliance within two weeks.