IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
CRIMINAL APPEAL No.1038/2026 [arising out of SLP (Crl.) No.20625/2025]
S. JAYASREE APPELLANT
VERSUS
STATE OF KERALA & ANR. RESPONDENTS
O R D E R
1. Leave granted.
2. By the impugned judgment and order dated 04th
December, 2025, the High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam has
dismissed the appellant’s prayer for bail in anticipation of
arrest.
3. Appellant figures as an accused in FIR No3700/2025
dated 11th October, 2025 registered with Police Station CB
PS, District CB. It is alleged in the FIR that the appellant has
committed offence(s) punishable under Sections 403, 406,
409, 466, 467 & 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
4. We have heard learned counsel appearing for the
Crl. Appeal @ SLP (Crl.) No.20625/2025 1
appellant as well as the respondents.
5. It is not in dispute that the appellant has joined
investigation in terms of the earlier orders of this Court. Even
the specimen signature and handwriting samples, which
were pending, have since been obtained. That apart, the
appellant is a lady who is entitled to protection contemplated
by Section 480, Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
6. Taking an overall view of the matter, we are inclined to
accept the appeal and grant the prayer of the appellant for
release on pre-arrest bail.
7. Accordingly, the impugned judgment and order stands
set aside.