In a decision marked by compassion and familial considerations, the Supreme Court has granted interim bail to a murder accused to enable him to find a suitable groom for his 20-year-old daughter. The interim relief, extended for a period of 45 days, comes as the accused continues to navigate the legal process concerning his conviction.

A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and SVN Bhatti deliberated on the matter, acknowledging the prolonged pendency of the appeal and the circumstances surrounding the accused's familial responsibilities. Notably, the court was informed that the co-accused had already been granted bail, prompting further consideration of the applicant's plea for temporary release.

The applicant, through legal representation, elucidated the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the pressing need to arrange a matrimonial alliance for his daughter. With the daughter at a marriageable age, the applicant's wife had already engaged in scouting prospective grooms, signaling the family's earnest intent to fulfill their social obligations.

Central to the court's decision was the recognition of the accused's pivotal role as the sole male member, apart from his minor son, within the family structure. The responsibility of selecting and finalizing a suitable groom for his daughter, coupled with the exigencies of the legal proceedings, weighed heavily in favor of granting interim relief.

Importantly, the court's ruling underscored the applicant's history of compliance with prior interim bail conditions, highlighting his responsible conduct in previous instances of temporary release. This track record bolstered the court's confidence in extending the requested relief, albeit subject to conditions to be determined by the trial court.

The applicant's legal journey has been fraught with complexity, initially facing acquittal by the trial court only to subsequently encounter conviction by the Delhi High Court on charges encompassing murder, rioting, voluntary causing hurt, mischief, and trespassing. Currently, his plea for the suspension of sentence and regular bail awaits adjudication before the highest judicial authority in the land.