In a brief yet telling hearing on Thursday, the Supreme Court granted bail to Manojbhai alias Manubhai Nathabhai Solanki, who had been in custody for nearly nine months in a Sankheda police case. The courtroom atmosphere felt slightly tense at first-both sides came prepared with bulky files-but the bench quickly cut through the clutter and focused on the core issue: should a man remain in jail when the trial is nowhere near conclusion?
Background
Solanki had been arrested following an FIR lodged on 4 February 2025 at Sankheda Police Station in Chhotaudepur district. He was accused under Sections 64(1) and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)-new provisions that roughly correspond to earlier IPC offences related to assault and intimidation. His attempt to secure regular bail before the Gujarat High Court had been rejected in July 2025, prompting this appeal.
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During arguments, Solanki’s counsel stressed that the case was “politically motivated” and that the complainant, aged around 42, had already recorded her testimony. With 23 more witnesses yet to be examined, the defence argued that the trial would drag on and jail time would effectively become punishment without conviction.
Court’s Observations
The bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Prasanna B. Varale appeared particularly concerned about the prolonged custody. As the appellant’s lawyer narrated the delays, Justice Nagarathna remarked-almost in a conversational tone “The appellant has been in custody for approximately nine months. Trial will not finish anytime soon.”
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The State pushed back strongly, pointing to Solanki’s alleged criminal history and cautioning that a crucial witness-the victim’s sister-in-law-was yet to testify. State counsel argued that bail at this stage could “frustrate the trial,” implying a risk of interference or intimidation.
But the bench did not seem convinced. In fact, one moment stood out: when reading from the case file, Justice Varale gently noted that the prosecutrix had already taken the stand, signalling the Court’s inclination to prioritise the accused’s right to liberty over speculative risks.
Ultimately, the Court concluded that “a case for bail is made out,” a line that dropped like a final word in a long-pending debate.
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Decision
The Supreme Court allowed the appeal and directed the trial court to release Solanki on regular bail, subject to conditions ensuring his presence during proceedings. “The appellant shall not misuse his liberty or influence witnesses,” the bench ordered, making it clear that any violation would mean immediate cancellation of bail.
The order ended with a caution that Solanki must extend “complete cooperation” as the trial continues-an expected but firm reminder that freedom comes with accountability. With this, the hearing wrapped up swiftly, leaving lawyers packing their files and the courtroom settling into its usual post-order quiet.
Case Title: Manojbhai alias Manubhai Nathabhai Solanki vs. State of Gujarat
Case No.: Criminal Appeal (SLP (Crl.) No. 14200/2025)
Case Type: Criminal Appeal – Bail Matter
Decision Date: 4 December 2025
