The High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench, presided over by Justice Shree Prakash Singh, has granted interim anticipatory bail to a bank cashier accused in a misappropriation case. The Court provided temporary relief to the applicant, Vikas Pandey, pending further hearings, despite objections from the State.
Background and Arguments
The legal proceedings stem from Case Crime No. 0031 of 2026, registered at Police Station Kotwali Tanda, District Ambedkar Nagar, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (B.N.S).
Counsel for the applicant, Akhand Kumar Pandey and Abhishek Singh, argued that Pandey was not named in the F.I.R., nor was he mentioned in the initial statements provided by the main accused, Umair Ahmad. The defense noted that Pandey’s name only surfaced during Ahmad’s third statement and emphasized that there is no direct transfer or credit of the alleged misappropriated amount into the applicant’s account.
The defense highlighted that the applicant is a bank employee currently working as a cashier. While the bail application explained a criminal history of four cases in paragraph 39, the counsel simultaneously submitted that the applicant is a law-abiding citizen with no previous criminal history who fears imminent arrest by the police. The applicant provided an undertaking to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigative proceedings and to remain present before the Investigating Officer whenever required.
Opposing the plea, the learned A.G.A. representing the State countered the defense’s assertions. The prosecution submitted that the applicant is, in fact, named in the F.I.R. and maintained that there is sufficient proof demonstrating he committed the offense, arguing he is not entitled to relief.
Court’s Analysis and Decision
After evaluating the conflicting submissions, the Court opted to grant temporary protection to the applicant. Rendering the decision, the Court made the following observation:
Considering the aforesaid facts and circumstances of the case and after perusal of the record, this Court find it to be a fit case of interim anticipatory bail.
The Court ordered the forthwith release of Vikas Pandey on interim anticipatory bail upon his furnishing a personal bond and two solvent sureties. This relief is contingent upon compliance with several strict conditions:
- The applicant must make himself available for police interrogation as required.
- He shall not make any inducement, threat, or promise to anyone acquainted with the facts of the case, nor tamper with evidence.
- He shall not leave India without the previous permission of the court.
- He shall not pressurize or intimidate prosecution witnesses.
- In the event a charge sheet is submitted, he must not tamper with evidence during the trial and must appear before the trial court on each fixed date unless exempted.
- The court concerned retains the liberty to cancel the bail if any of these conditions are breached.
The Court directed the State to file a counter-affidavit within three weeks, subsequently granting the applicant’s counsel one week to file a rejoinder affidavit. The interim protection will remain in effect until the next date of listing.
Case Details:
Case Title: Vikas Pandey Versus State Of U.P. Thru. Prin. Secy. Deptt. Home Lko.
Case No.: CRIMINAL MISC. ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION U/S 482 BNSS No. – 1229 of 2026
Bench: Justice Shree Prakash Singh
Date: June 30, 2026
