'Appears To Be Disturbed': Gujarat High Court Grants Bail To Woman Accused Of Sending Hoax Bomb Threat Mails To Multiple Institutions
The Gujarat High Court granted bail to a woman accused of sending hoax bomb threat mails to several organizations subject after noting that it appeared that she was disturbed. The court granted bail subject to her executing a bond of Rs.10,000 with one surety of the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial Court and subject to certain conditions. Justice Nikhil S Kariel in his order...
The Gujarat High Court granted bail to a woman accused of sending hoax bomb threat mails to several organizations subject after noting that it appeared that she was disturbed.
The court granted bail subject to her executing a bond of Rs.10,000 with one surety of the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial Court and subject to certain conditions.
Justice Nikhil S Kariel in his order noted that the allegation against the woman was that she had sent anonymous emails to various organizations, alleging that there are bombs kept in the organizations concerned, resulting in unnecessary harassment to the police machinery and to the organizations.
The high court noted, "...yet, it would appear that the applicant appears to be a disturbed person more particularly, it would appear that the alleged crime may have been committed by the applicant following some dispute in a relationship with the third party".
The petitioner had sought regular bail for the offences punishable under Sections 351(3), 353(1)(B) of BNS and Section 66(C) of IT Act. It was submitted that considering the role attributed to the applicant, and nature of the allegation levelled, she may be enlarged on regular bail. It was further submitted that the charge-sheet is filed and no useful purpose would be served by keeping the applicant in jail for indefinite period. It was further contended that the applicant is ready and willing to abide by the conditions that may be imposed by the Court if released on bail.
Meanwhile the State's counsel opposed the bail plea.
The court further considered that she had been in custody since 28.06.2025, the chargesheet had been filed, the Sessions Court had released the applicant for similar offences and the fact that the applicant is a lady accused.
"In the facts and circumstances of the case and considering the nature of the allegations made against in the First Information Report, without discussing the evidence in detail, prima facie, this Court is of the opinion that this is a fit case to exercise the discretion and enlarge the applicant on regular bail. Hence, the present application is allowed," the court said.
The conditions imposed are that the applicant shall not take undue advantage of liberty or misuse liberty; will not act in a manner injurious to the interest of the prosecution; will surrender passport, if any, to the lower court within a week; and furnish the present address of residence to the I.O. and also to the Court at the time of execution of the bond.
"The Authorities will release the applicant only if she is not required in connection with any other offence for the time being. If breach of any of the above conditions is committed, the Sessions Court concerned will be free to take appropriate action in the matter.
The court said that it will be open for the lower court to delete, modify and/or relax any of the bail conditions in accordance with law. The high court clarified that during trial, the trial court shall not be influenced by high court's observations in its order which are of preliminary nature and only for the purpose of considering the bail application.
The court thus allowed the plea.
Case title: RENE JOSHILDA GOLDWIN JOSEPH V/S STATE OF GUJARAT
R/CR.MA/23878/2025
Click Here To Read/Download Order
Citation : 2025 LiveLaw (Guj) 201