'Bail is the rule but doesn't mean entitlement to relief

Emphasising that the principle that “bail is the rule and jail, an exception,” does not entitle all accused to automatic relief, the Supreme Court has held that courts must also weigh the specific role of each accused, the gravity of the alleged offence, and its impact on society before granting bail.

- Utkarsh Anand

A bench of justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh further held that parity alone cannot be the sole basis for granting bail, underlining that role and position in crime matter more than mere common involvement. It further stressed that bail orders must contain reasons, and cannot be passed mechanically or solely on the principle of parity.