'Trial Likely To Take Time To Conclude' : Supreme Court Grants Bail To Accused In Mahant Narendra Giri Murder Case

The Supreme Court on January 12 granted bail to Aadya Prasad Tiwari, an accused in the case relating to the death of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Narendra Giri.

A Bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma set aside the October 14, 2025 order of the Allahabad High Court which had rejected Tiwari's plea for bail.

Tiwari was arrested on September 22, 2021 in connection with FIR No. 322 of 2021 registered at George Town police station, Prayagraj, initially under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code for abetment to suicide. Subsequently, the charge sheet filed on November 18, 2021 also invoked Sections 120-B and 302 IPC, alleging criminal conspiracy and murder.

While allowing the appeal, the Court noted that the prosecution proposed to examine as many as 150 witnesses, but only three witnesses had been examined so far. The Bench observed that the trial was likely to take considerable time to conclude and that Tiwari did not appear to be the principal accused in the case.

“t is, therefore, clear that the trial is likely to take time to conclude. Even otherwise, the appellant does not appear to be the principal accused.In view thereof, we are of the considered opinion that further detention of the appellant pending trial is not necessary,” the Court said while ordering his release on bail.

The Bench directed that Tiwari be released on bail subject to furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the trial court and complying with conditions imposed by it. The Court also cautioned that the appellant shall not directly or indirectly induce, threaten or promise any person acquainted with the facts of the case to dissuade them from disclosing such facts before the court.

It was further ordered that Tiwari must diligently attend the trial proceedings unless exempted, failing which it could be treated as a breach of bail conditions and lead to cancellation of bail.

The Supreme Court clarified that the observations made in the order were only for the purpose of deciding the bail plea and would not be treated as findings on the merits of the case.

Mahant Narendra Giri was found dead under suspicious circumstances inside his Math in Prayagraj on September 20, 2021.

Case : AADYA PRASAD TIWARI v. STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH | CRIMINAL APPEAL No.195/2026

Click here to read the order