The Allahabad High Court has dismissed the bail application of Ramdev, accused of circulating indecent images of a woman on social media platforms. The Court observed that “circulation of indecent pictures of a person on public platforms by social media can destroy lives,” while highlighting the gravity of such offences in the digital era.
The order was passed by Justice Ajay Bhanot in Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 19176 of 2025 arising from Case Crime No. 5 of 2025, registered at Police Station Utraon, District Prayagraj. The case involves charges under Sections 74, 352, 351(2), and 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Background of the Case
The applicant, Ramdev, has been in judicial custody since January 9, 2025. His bail plea had earlier been rejected by the trial court on April 23, 2025. According to the prosecution, Ramdev is alleged to have circulated indecent photographs of the victim via WhatsApp. Some of these images were recovered and have been sent for forensic analysis; the report from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) is awaited.
Arguments and Observations
Counsels Sri Satyam Mishra and Shailendra Singh appeared for the applicant, while the State was represented by the learned AGA. The High Court, after hearing both parties, noted that the applicant had been identified as the principal offender and that the nature of the offence was grave.
While dismissing the bail plea, the Court remarked:
“Digital technology is altering the face of crime. Indecent pictures of a person when circulated on public platforms by social media can destroy lives. This is the hard social reality.”
The Court held that there is a likelihood the applicant committed the offence and that no case for bail is made out at this stage.
Directions for Expedited Trial
Emphasizing the importance of timely justice, the Court directed the trial court to conclude the proceedings preferably within one year from the date of receipt of the certified copy of the order. It referred to the legislative intent under Section 309 of the CrPC, highlighting the need for swift disposal of trials.
The Court also laid down a series of directions to ensure effective and timely conduct of the trial:
- The District Judge shall take weekly reports on the progress of the trial.
- The Deputy Director of FSL must ensure the forensic report is submitted within two months.
- The trial court must use both regular process under Section 62 CrPC and registered post under Section 69 CrPC for summoning witnesses.
- Strict coercive measures should be taken against non-compliant witnesses, and in appropriate cases, exemplary costs may be imposed on parties or counsels who delay proceedings.
Enforcement of Previous Judicial Directions
The Court referred to earlier judgments—Bhanwar Singh @ Karamvir vs. State of U.P. (Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 16871 of 2023) and Jitendra vs. State of U.P. (Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 9126 of 2023)—wherein directions had been issued for prompt service of summons and execution of coercive measures.
It reiterated that if police authorities fail to comply with these directions, the trial court must seek affidavits from the Senior Superintendent of Police. The Court further mandated compliance with its decision in Noor Alam vs. State of U.P. (Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 53159 of 2021) in case of strikes by lawyers during the trial.
Accountability Measures
The trial court was instructed to:
- Submit fortnightly progress reports to the District Judge.
- Summon responsible officials in person if needed to enforce compliance.
- Cancel bail of any accused who adopts dilatory tactics, upon recording a finding to that effect.
The Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj, has been directed to submit affidavits before the trial court on execution of warrants and service of summons.
Case Title: Ramdev vs. State of U.P.
Case No.: Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 19176 of 2025
