Karnataka High Court Grants Bail to 2020 Bengaluru Riots Accused After Five Years in Custody
The Karnataka High Court has granted bail to an accused in the 2020 Bengaluru riots case after considering his prolonged incarceration, parity with co-accused and the likely delay in conclusion of the trial.
Published on 8 July 2026 • 06:30 am
Background
The appeal arose from the prosecution relating to the 2020 Bengaluru riots investigated by the National Investigation Agency. The appellant had remained in custody since August 2020 and challenged the Special Court's refusal to grant bail.
Court's Analysis
The Division Bench noted that several similarly placed co-accused had already been granted bail by both the Supreme Court and the Karnataka High Court.
The Court also observed that the prosecution intended to examine 267 witnesses, making it evident that the trial would not conclude in the near future.
Parity and Delay
The Bench held that prolonged incarceration exceeding five years, coupled with the principle of parity and anticipated delay in completion of trial, justified granting bail despite the seriousness of the allegations.
Decision
The High Court allowed the appeal, granted bail subject to stringent conditions and set aside the Special Court's earlier order refusing bail.
"Parity with similarly placed co-accused and prolonged incarceration remain important considerations while deciding bail."
— Karnataka High Court
Key Takeaways
Five Years in Custody
Extended incarceration weighed heavily in favour of bail.
Parity Applied
Several co-accused had already secured similar relief.
Delayed Trial
The large number of witnesses indicated that the trial would take considerable time.
Conditional Bail
Strict conditions were imposed while granting release.
Legal Significance
The decision highlights that prolonged incarceration and parity with co-accused continue to play a significant role in bail jurisprudence even in prosecutions involving serious offences.
Case Details
Case
Fairoz Pasha v. National Investigation Agency
Court
Karnataka High Court
Bench
Justice Mohammad Nawaz & Justice G. Basavaraja
Date
3 June 2026
This article summarises the judgment for informational purposes only.