The Madhya Pradesh High Court has recalled an order that mistakenly granted bail to a murder accused due to a typographical error that swapped the outcomes of two connected bail applications.
The error came to light on August 8, when counsel for one of the co-accused informed the Court that the orders in two bail pleas had been inadvertently switched—allowing one that should have been dismissed and rejecting the one that should have been allowed.
The case relates to a July 5, 2024 incident in which three men allegedly assaulted a man, leading to his death. According to the prosecution, accused Halke and Dharmendra beat the deceased with a stick, while a third accused, Ashok, threw a stone that struck the man’s chest.
Both Halke and Ashok had filed bail petitions, which were heard together. On August 7, the Court passed two separate orders—granting bail to Halke and rejecting Ashok’s plea.
The order in Halke’s case stated:
“Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, but without expressing any opinion on merits of the case, this application is allowed.”
In Ashok’s case, the Court had held:
“Considering the totality of facts and circumstances of the case, the nature of allegations levelled against the present applicant, the gravity of the offence, without commenting upon the merits of the case, no case is made out for grant of bail to the applicant at this stage.”
However, Ashok’s counsel pointed out that the outcomes had been reversed due to a clerical mix-up. Taking note, a Bench of Justice Rajesh Kumar Gupta observed:
“The submission of learned counsel for the petitioner appears to be correct. In view of the aforesaid, earlier order dated 07.08.2025 passed in both the M.Cr C.Nos.31180/2025 and 28977/2025 are hereby recalled.”
The matter has now been relisted for hearing on August 11.
Case: Halke Aadiwashi vs State – Available on LAWFYI.IO
