Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 07 October 2026
Case Overview
- Appellant: Manzar Khan, partner of the partnership firm Qayamuddin Khan & Co.
- Respondent: State of Jharkhand.
- The appeal (Criminal Appeal No. OF 2026, Special Leave Petition (Criminal) No.11109/2026) challenges the High Court of Jharkhand’s order dated 15 January 2026 that rejected the appellant’s anticipatory bail application.
- The appellant is accused in FIR No.24 of 2011 (Police Station Sadar, Ranchi) under IPC sections 406, 409, 467, 468, 109, 120B and under Sections 13(1)(D) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for alleged fraudulent contract work by Qayamuddin Khan & Co. resulting in loss to the public exchequer.
- Investigation was completed; a charge‑sheet has been filed before the Trial Court, which has taken cognizance but the trial has not yet commenced.
- The appellant failed to appear before the Trial Court despite the interim protection order dated 03 June 2026, leading the State counsel to seek a non‑bailable warrant. The Trial Court reportedly did not accept the interim protection.
Final Outcome
- The Supreme Court converts the interim anticipatory bail protection into absolute bail, stating that arrest by police is no longer applicable.
- The appellant is directed to appear before the Trial Court on 21 November 2026 and to submit a bail bond acceptable to the Trial Court.
- The appellant must cooperate with the trial, avoid unnecessary adjournments, and comply with all directions.
- The appeal is allowed; any pending applications are to be disposed of.
Topics: Bail, Criminal Procedure, Corruption Allegations