The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to a man who was booked after becoming romantically involved with his divorce lawyer. The woman advocate, who had been handling his matrimonial case, later filed criminal proceedings against him after their consensual relationship soured.
A bench headed by Justice BV Nagarathna had earlier criticized the conduct of the lawyer, questioning why she chose to enter into a personal relationship with her client while representing him in divorce proceedings. The Court observed that both individuals had mutually entered the relationship, had no intention of marriage, and that the subsequent criminal case was unwarranted.
Despite the prosecution highlighting that multiple coercive measures had already been initiated — including a non-bailable warrant, proclamation proceedings, a lookout circular, and a blue corner notice — the Court was not persuaded to deny relief.
Through its January 7 order, the Court confirmed the interim protection already granted and made it absolute by allowing anticipatory bail. As the man currently resides in London, the Court clarified that he will be protected upon returning to India for investigation or any other purpose. It also directed that he be given prior notice of investigation dates to enable him to make travel arrangements.
Additionally, the Court ordered that the lookout notice, blue corner notice, and proclamation proceedings against him remain suspended while anticipatory bail is in force.
