Brief Facts 

In the Matter of Dilli Rani v. State of Karnataka petition asking for the petitioner’s bail in a murder case to be increased. The petitioner and the defendant had a secret romance. A plot was formed when the petitioner’s late husband—a Bengaluru-based worker—decided to move the petitioner and their young children from Andhra Pradesh to Bengaluru for further schooling. The petitioner killed the dead by stabbing him in the neck while he was asleep inside the home in accordance with the plot and at the accused’s behest. She then cut her hand with the same knife, took off her Mangalya chain, earring, and other jewellery, and covered them up to make the incident look like a robbery and murder.

Contention From parties 

The petitioner’s attorney claimed that the accusations made against the woman are untrue. According to the information provided, the petitioner is a lady who has been awaiting trial since September 2022.

The respondents contended that there is enough evidence gathered against the petitioner to establish her involvement in the crime. Additionally, it was argued that because the petitioner’s son is the key witness, should she be granted free, she might instruct him, undermining the prosecution’s case.

Conclusion of the Court 

The petition was denied by the Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court, which noted that the petitioner was the subject of a preliminary indictment. The alleged crime is serious, thus the fact that the petitioner is a woman is not a reason to increase her bail, it was further stated.

The Court read the arguments and supporting evidence and noted how the case was progressing at the time. It was noted that the prosecution had obtained the testimony of the witnesses who cast light on the petitioner’s illicit relationship and that the petitioner’s hidden Mangalya chain and ear stud had been found. Her stained nightgown has also been found. The petitioner is facing a prima facie case, the court emphasised, and granting bail to the accused will not result in any benefits for the petitioner. The Court denied the petition after taking into account the nature and seriousness of the act.

CASE NAME – Dilli Rani v. State of Karnataka, Criminal Petition No. 1698 of 2023